Tang Yin (1470-1523), Spring Mountains, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), hanging scroll. Ink on paper. Height 81.7 cm, Width 43.7 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Tang Yin (1470-1523), was also known by his zi (designated names) Bohu and Ziwei, and his hao (literary name) Liuru Jushi. A native of Wu county (nowadays Suzhou, Jiangsu province), the artist was skilled in painting landscapes, figures, birds, and flowers. He learned the art of painting from both Shen Zhou and Zhou Chen. This piece is lightly colored, with the mountain peaks faintly tinted with ochre, depicting a spring scene. The brushstrokes and color washes are used together for the mountains and rocks, and the technique for painting the trees is highly diverse. The brushwork is vigorous and free, making it an outstanding work from the artist's middle years.