Which parts of the landscape were painted by Wu Daozi?
According to legend, Wu Daozi, a renowned Tang Dynasty painter, was commissioned by Emperor Xuanzong to paint a mural of the Jialing River landscape in the palace. Instead of creating a preliminary sketch, Wu Daozi reputedly painted the entire landscape from memory in a single day.
Specific details about the precise elements of the landscape depicted are not definitively known. However, historical accounts suggest the mural encompassed the entirety of the 300-li (approximately 150 km) stretch of the Jialing River.
Though the original mural no longer exists, it likely featured:
- Mountains: As the Jialing River flows through mountainous terrain, mountains would undoubtedly be a prominent feature.
- Water: The Jialing River itself, with its flowing water, would be central to the painting.
- Trees and Vegetation: The surrounding landscape would include various trees and plant life.
- Other Natural Elements: Other elements may have included rocks, cliffs, and sky.
It is important to note that because the original mural is lost, our understanding of the exact details relies on historical descriptions and interpretations.