Guan Si

Landscapes in the Manner of Old Masters

China; Possibly Ming period (1368–1644), 17th century
Album of ten leaves; Ink and light color on paper
Each, H. 10 3/4 x W. 7 1/8 in. (27.3 x 18.1 cm)
Asia Society, New York: Gift of Robert H. Ellsworth in memory of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, 1980.1.1-10

The interest in the past as a compositional and philosophical prototype is illustrated in this album of ten leaves, each of which is painted in the style of an earlier master. Albums of this type were produced by many Chinese artists from the 17th century onward, and they were intended to both pay homage to earlier masters and display the proficiency of the painter. The variable quality of the painting in this album suggests that it may have been produced by more than one artist.