Professor CSA Print Gu Kai Zhi 015 Gu Kai Zhi

The horizontal scroll depicts a scene unfolding across a landscape rendered in muted earth tones – ochre, brown, and faded greens dominate the palette. A sense of age is immediately conveyed by the discoloration and wear visible on the support material.
On the left side of the composition, figures are clustered around what appears to be a vehicle or palanquin drawn by an animal, likely a horse or donkey. The central figure in this group seems to be a man of authority; he’s dressed in elaborate robes and is positioned slightly higher than those surrounding him. Several attendants flank him, their postures suggesting deference and service. A smaller figure, possibly a child, stands near the vehicle, adding a touch of domesticity to the otherwise formal arrangement.
Moving towards the right, the scene transitions into a more naturalistic setting. A dense grove of trees occupies much of the middle ground, obscuring some details but creating depth within the landscape. The foliage is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a sense of spontaneity and movement.
Beyond the trees, a group of figures are engaged in what appears to be a leisurely activity – perhaps fishing or simply enjoying the scenery. One figure stands on a small platform or boat, holding a pole, while another sits nearby. Their relaxed postures contrast with the formality of the scene on the left, hinting at a shift in social context or perhaps a journey from official duty to personal respite.
The composition is structured around a diagonal line that leads the viewers eye from the group near the vehicle towards the figures by the water. This creates a sense of progression and narrative flow within the scroll. The artist employed a restrained use of color, allowing the subtle variations in tone to define form and create atmosphere.
Subtleties in posture and gesture suggest complex relationships between the individuals depicted. The presence of both formal authority and relaxed leisure implies a commentary on social hierarchy and the cyclical nature of life – the demands of duty versus the pursuit of personal enjoyment. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity, tempered by an awareness of the passage of time and the impermanence of worldly affairs.