The First Snow on the River

Ever wanted to experience a winter’s day in ancient China?

Zhao Gan’s First Snow on the River offers just that. This rare 10th-century handscroll from the Southern Tang court vividly depicts fishermen along the Yangtze River during the first snowfall in Nanjing. With intricate details on fishing nets, boats, and attire, it provides a realistic snapshot of ancient folk life. The artist’s technique of splattering white pigment beautifully captures the snow’s soft texture. The vertical inscription by Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang, adds a poetic touch to this historical gem.

Five Dynasties Period (907-960) Zhao Gan. Colored, silk, scroll. 25.9cm*376.5cm. 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.