Ten Visions of Thatched Cottage

Curious about the origins of literati painting in China? 

The Ten Visions of Thatched Cottage by Lu Hong, with the Taipei Palace Museum’s version being the oldest, offers a fascinating glimpse into early self-expression in art. Unlike typical landscapes, it presents a deeply personal "private landscape," featuring Lu Hong himself in contemplative and serene scenes. Each image is paired with inscriptions and poetic verses, blurring the lines between painting and calligraphy. This work is not just a visual experience but a rich tapestry of personal reflection and artistic unity. Discover how this painting laid the foundation for literati art.

Tang Dynasty (618-907) Lu Hong. Paper scroll, Ink Wash Painting. Collection of the Taipei Palace Museum.

This piece is compiled from the Chinese edition of Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting by Foreign Languages Press and Yale University Press, translated by Chen Ying.