Five Pines, Hanging Scroll
Li Shan
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink on paper
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 141 cm; Width 234 cm
Introduction
The “Five Pines” was a recurring subject throughout Li Shan’s career. This monumental composition is visually commanding, with five pines depicted standing, leaning, rising, and reclining, arranged with dynamic balance. The artist rendered branch thickness and ink intensity with precision. In the lower right corner, Li Shan inscribed a lengthy prose-poem in running script, ‘The Ode to The Five Pines’, characterized by bold, free-flowing strokes, which creates a harmonious interplay of poetry, calligraphy, and painting. The imagery draws on a historical legend: Emperor Qin Shi Huang, while ascending Mount Tai for the fengshan ceremony, took shelter under pine trees during a sudden rainstorm. Later, the pines were metaphorically honoured by the Emperor as “Five Ministers” for their protection. Over time, the tale evolved, comparing the five trees to loyal and upright ministers or generals. This allegory celebrates steadfastness, moral integrity, and the Confucian ideal of “maintaining one’s virtue in adversity, and benefiting society in prosperity.”
Previously appreciated by collector Cai Renqiu, the painting later entered the collection of General Xiao Hua of the PLA (People’s Liberation Army).
