A Hunt in the Mountains of Heaven
Late Ming /early Qing dynasty, 17th century
Medium
Handscroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
33.3 × 899.2 cm (12 7/8 × 354 in.)
Classification
handscroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
79505
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago's of Asia collection, where *A Hunt in the Mountains Heaven* unfolds like a panoramic dream from the late Ming or early Qing dynasty (17th century). This extraordinary handscroll, measuring over 29 feet long when fully extended, is rendered in ink and color on paper—a masterful format cherished in Chinese art for intimate, sequential viewing. Collectors would unroll it slowly, savoring scenes section by section, much like reading an epic tale. The title evokes a mythical hunt amid ethereal peaks, blending rugged wilderness with otherworldly splendor. Su...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...