Snowy Landscape
雪景山水図軸
Liang Kai · 13th century (Southern Song dynasty) · Hanging scroll
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Snowy Landscape is a National Treasure hanging scroll, ink and light color on silk, by the Southern Song court painter Liang Kai (13th century), showing travelers on horseback crossing a plain before snowy mountains. It is held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Liang Kai
- Date
- 13th century (Southern Song dynasty)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
Liang Kai was a court painter of the Southern Song in China, said to be skilled both at careful, fine description and at fierce, rough description. This work is one of a set of three that came down together with The Buddha Descending from the Mountain and another snowy landscape. The three were originally made separately, but after reaching Japan and entering the collection of the Ashikaga shogun family, they came to be appreciated as a set.
Travelers on horseback cross a plain before deep snowy mountains. Ink in complex gradations is brushed over the whole mountain to show mist, conveying the immeasurable stillness of great nature. The tiny figures and horses, and the geese crossing between the peaks, are drawn with extremely fine brushwork, which sharpens the contrast in scale.
The work is ink and light color on silk, 110.3 x 49.7 cm, designated a National Treasure.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. TA-141
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "Snowy Landscape".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Snowy Landscape, and when?
- Snowy Landscape is by Liang Kai, made in 13th century (Southern Song dynasty). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Snowy Landscape?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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