Naturalism In Landscape Paintings Of Yuan Dynasty

Naturalism, as an important conception in landscape painting of ancient China, has a long origin in philosophy. In its long development, Naturalism continually extends the literators'character in art and breadth of mind in aesthetics, and creats the various styles and features of landscape paintings of the past dynasties. Yuan Dynasty is a special period under the regime of non-Han ethnicity, when a great discrepancy developed between the Han literators and the contemporary social trend, which influenced the thinking pattern and cultural mentality in arts. Naturalism in this period received influences from Taoism, Zen and Confucianism, especially influenced by Taoism and Zen, and it was more a reflection of human spirits. The landscape, as a means of expressing the contemporary literators'profound feelings and thoughts, was dominated by Naturalism, the landscape paintings by them became the reflection of spirit of freedom and the expression of mind. In this way, the paintings became enriched in contents and profound in meaning, symbolized the independence of mind and personality of literators. Literators in Yuan Dynasty studied in-depth the painting theory of the preceding generations, and made an intentional pursuit of significance in form. Their paintings fused with poem and calligraphy into it, were more mature in painting skills, which inherited the simpleness and naturalness pursued by traditional Naturalism. The paintings are sketched in simple lines yet rich in shapes, the styles of which were elegant and refined. Through the paintings, the painters confided their feelings, expressed meanings, freed their mind, and experienced from time to time the freedom of the will of life.