Taihang Mountains

Author: Wang Shuzhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: The Taihang Mountains are the eastern edge of the second step of the Chinese terrain, with a basement of complex monocline folds. To the east, it is a faulted structure with a relative elevation difference of 1,500–2,000 meters. Therefore, when looking west at the Taihang Mountains, they appear as a vast, mile-long stone wall, or like a dignified and commanding general seated with a sword, exuding an imposing aura. The Taihang Mountains are magnificent, poetic, and awe-inspiring. From the perspective of landscape painting techniques, the peaks of the Taihang Mountains are faulted structures, which should be classified as "ax" (ax texture), while the lower sections are folded uplifts, which should be classified as "má má cūn" (má má texture). These two structures naturally blend together, yet the two different brushwork techniques are not easily harmonized. Therefore, it is essential to explore techniques that effectively depict the new appearance of the Taihang Mountains. The Wangwushan Mountain, however, differs in geographical location and orientation compared to the Taihang Mountains. Although connected to the Taihang Mountains, it features rolling peaks, dense vegetation, mountains like swords standing tall, and rivers flowing like dragons. The Taihang and Wangwushan Mountains have a long history and are dotted with numerous historical and cultural landmarks, such as Wei-Jin stone carvings, Sui-Tang cliff inscriptions, temples, and Buddhist pagodas, all of which reflect their historical prosperity and heyday.