A painting of a mountain landscape, in ink and polychrome on silk.

This painting, executed in ink and polychrome on silk, depicts a mountain landscape featuring rocks, trees and a few small red buildings. The red pavilions and figures scattered throughout the landscape highlight the human presence within nature. The entire composition is carefully balanced, creating a harmonious effect characteristic of traditional Chinese landscapes.

In the upper right corner, the inscription reads: 鳳麟州（洲）, which means “The Island of Phoenixes and Unicorns.” This legendary island is mentioned by the magician Dongfang Shuo in the “Shizhouji” (Description of the Ten Islands of the Sea), a work of mythical geography from the Han Dynasty.

A painted textile featuring a design similar to ours is also housed at the National Palace Museum in Beijing.

Reference: “Treasures of the Forbidden City, Embroidered Pictures,” no. 115.