4. Why Mountains and Water play such a vital role in Chinese painting?

Mountains and water are considered to play a vital role in Chinese painting because they are seen as key elements of the natural world and embody important philosophical concepts. In traditional Chinese culture, mountains and water were viewed as key components of the environment, representing both the majesty and power of nature, as well as the harmony and balance needed to attain spiritual peace.

In Chinese painting, mountains are typically depicted as sharp, towering peaks, while water is shown as flowing streams, winding rivers, and vast seas. This imagery is meant to convey a sense of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth - water flows perpetually, while mountains stand tall and unchanging.

Moreover, in traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin and yang is central to understanding the natural world. Yin represents feminine energy, which is soft, cool, and receptive, while yang represents masculine energy, which is hard, hot, and assertive. Mountains are seen as a symbol of yang energy, while water is seen as a symbol of yin energy. Depicting these elements in balance is therefore seen as a way to achieve harmony and unity, both in nature and in human life.

Overall, mountains and water are seen as powerful symbols in traditional Chinese culture and art, representing the natural world and embodying important philosophical concepts such as balance and harmony. Traditional Chinese artists therefore place great importance on these elements, striving to create paintings that are not only visually striking, but also deeply symbolic and meaningful.