Egrets on a Snowy Bank
Ma Yuan
Southern Sung Dynasty
(A.D. 1127-1279)
Hanging scroll.
ink and colors on silk.
95.0 x 37.6cm
     Ma Yuan, a native of 
Hochung, later lived at 
Ch'ien-t'ang (Hangchow).  
Here the withered reeds, 
bamboos and ripples on the 
water are painted with a 
trembling brush.  The color 
wash is highly effective, 
and the painting is suffused 
with a solemn stillness that 
captures the attention.