Layered Peaks after Autumn Rain

Wang Hui (1632–1717) was a master of landscape painting in the Qing dynasty. Layered Peaks after Autumn Rain is a large, impressive scroll on silk. It shows his mature style: tall mountains, deep forests, and hidden pavilions.

Wang Hui admired the great painter Wang Meng of the Yuan dynasty. From him, he learned how to build complex mountain forms. Here, peaks rise like waves. Streams wind down through layered rocks. Trees are dense and dark, but lively. Small pavilions are half-hidden among cliffs — places for scholars to rest or write poetry.

The painting creates a world to be viewed, wandered through and lived in, an ideal from Song dynasty painting. You can stand before it and imagine walking up the path, hearing running water, and sitting quietly in the pavilion.