Minneapolis Institute of Art

Early Spring Landscape

Cai Jia

Date

1752

Medium

Ink and light colors on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This painting relates to Buddhist ideas of reclusion in nature. In the foreground is a river, and along the path that moves upward into the mountains is a Buddhist monastery situated in the valley. The poem inscribed at the top reads: Monk’s mat, fragrant lamp, and tea I came to visit a temple with great joy Although we are in the earthly realm, there is no noise The shifting scenery shows the passage of time The fragrant southern winds quickly reach the northern snow The spring suddenly approaches the winter plum blossoms I return home late while composing a poem about the glow of the sunset The smoke that shrouds the old tree grove disperses the crows China, Asia

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