“One Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” is the sole surviving work of the Northern Song master Wang Ximeng. This scroll exquisitely portrays the resplendent landscapes of the motherland. The composition unfolds with undulating peaks stretching into the distance and vast, mist-wreathed rivers that evoke countless moods with their majestic grandeur. Towering cliffs cascade waterfalls amidst winding, secluded paths, while scattered dwellings, verdant willows, blooming flowers, stalwart pines, and elegant bamboos contribute to an enchanting vista. Alongside the mountains and waters, rustic ferry crossings, quaint fishing villages, graceful pavilions, humble cottages, and long, arched bridges are adroitly arranged to harmonize with the natural terrain, reflecting the splendor of the lakes, mountains, and rivers. Rendered in a concise yet masterful style, with vivid hues and intricate brushwork, the scroll captures the awe-inspiring majesty of the nation’s landscapes and has long been hailed as a monumental masterpiece among the blue-green landscapes of the Song Dynasty.
In its composition, the artist fully harnesses the multi-point perspective inherent in the traditional long-scroll format. Over a sprawling expanse of more than ten meters, the scenery is broadly divided into six sections, each dominated by majestic mountain forms. These segments are interlinked—sometimes by lengthy bridges, other times by meandering streams—so that each part stands distinct yet is inextricably connected with the others, ingeniously forming a unified whole that reveals new vistas with every step. The interlacing of lofty, profound, and expansive perspectives further imbues the work with dynamic rhythms and undulating contrasts, irresistibly drawing the viewer into its poetic realm.
In painting, the traditional “blue‐green method” employs mineral pigments—such as shiqing and shilu—as its principal hues, applied in an exaggerated, ornamental manner. This approach is known as “blue‐green landscape painting.” It is one of the earliest techniques to develop in Chinese landscape art, and during the Sui and Tang dynasties many painters, including Zhan Ziqian, Li Sixun, and Li Zhaodao, excelled in its execution.
