Artwork preview

The Pure Whiteness of Winter

Xu Jing

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Pure Whiteness of Winter by Xu Jing: The painting features a monochromatic color scheme with shades of brown and beige. A light brown border surrounds the artwork. The majority of the composition is empty space on the left side and a dark brown background. On the right side, there are several bare tree branches covered in snow or frost. The branches are depicted in various angles and directions. The branches are mostly on the right side, with a few extending to the left side. A few small white flowers or blossoms are visible on some of the branches. A long, thin, dark brown or black calligraphy or brushstroke is on the bottom right. A small red mark is on the bottom center.

Artwork Details

Date
dated 1441
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on silk
Culture
China
Dimensions
374 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette