Mountain Spirit (Shan Gui) (the work also bears the title “巫山神女” / Goddess Wushan) Artist: Hua Sanchuan (1930–2004) Medium: Ink and paint on silk (Gongbi technique) Mythological Origin: Qu Yuan, Chu Ci (Songs of Chu) anthology, 4th–3rd century BC (compilation: 2nd century AD, Wang Yi)
Mountain Spirit (Shan Gui 山鬼) is the name of both an ancient poem and a mythological character found in the famous Chu Ci (*Songs of Chu*) anthology by the Chinese poet Qu Yuan (4th--3rd century BC). In Chinese mythology, mountains and rivers are often personified as spirits or deities. The Mountain Spirit is a part of this tradition.
As told in the poem inspiring this work, the Mountain Spirit descended the mountain to gather the most fragrant herbs and await her lover. But he never arrived; only the wind and rain came.
With this piece, Hua Sanchuan reinterprets an ancient legend through modern painting. When you look at the artwork, you’ll see the artist handled every detail with sharp, fine lines--from the strands of the figure's hair to the texture of the deer’s fur in her lap.The foundation of Hua Sanchuan's style is the Gongbi technique. Meaning “meticulous brushwork”, Gongbi is a classic Chinese method that prioritizes exquisite detail. Hua Sanchuan applied this by outlining his figures with the precision of a line drawing, then filling them with soft, vibrant colors.