Description

This is an exceptional original hand-painted Chinese hanging scroll, created in 癸卯年 (1963) by the artist Guo Xiang (國祥) — a 20th-century painter working in the classical Northern Song dynasty style of the legendary master Guo Xi (郭熙). This piece reflects a deep reverence for traditional Chinese landscape composition and brush philosophy.

Executed with layered ink wash and subtle color accents, the scroll features sweeping mountains, rivers, ancient trees, and distant temple architecture — hallmarks of literati painting. The artwork is composed with atmospheric perspective, creating a tranquil world that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

Translation of the Artist’s Inscription

The poetic calligraphy on the scroll reads:

千尺陡坡古樹斜
不識大地華之巔
友人持子華
寄萬里深浪
海岳為題花山贈
癸卯年七月寫於四川

English Translation:

A thousand-foot slope with ancient leaning trees,
Unaware of the great peak upon the earth.
A friend brings Zihua’s work,
Sent across ten thousand miles of deep waves.
With sea and mountain as its theme, this Huashan painting is gifted.
Written in July of the year of Guǐmǎo (1963), in Sichuan.

This inscription places the painting in Sichuan Province, one of the cradles of classical Chinese art, and links the work both to Huashan — a sacred mountain of China — and to the tradition of scholarly gift-giving.

Seal Marks

Two red ink seal stamps accompany the work:

• 國祥之印 – “Seal of Guo Xiang”

• A secondary seal, likely confirming the artist’s studio name or signature

These seals are hand-stamped and authentic to the period.

Condition and Presentation

• Medium: Ink and color on mounted paper or silk

• Mounting: Traditional hanging scroll format

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age

• Dimensions:

Collector’s Value

This work bridges the ancient spirit of Guo Xi with the modern legacy of 20th-century Chinese literati painting. It would make an outstanding addition to any collection of:

• Classical Chinese art

• Scholar’s scrolls

• Mountain landscapes

• Mid-century Chinese painting

• Guo Xi-inspired works