Mi Fu, the famous and much imitated master of the Song dynasty, is best known for his ink landscapes characterized by rain and mist. In this morning mist landscape, the mountain tops and trees are built up with the broad, horizontal strokes of wet ink that are so characteristic of this master. The effect of the morning fog in southern China, through which you are barely able to discern the landscape, is convincingly depicted in this small, but fine work. The brushwork is light and confident, and the ink tones range from very light and silvery to deep black. This is an important aspect of art appreciation, especially in fan paintings that are viewed at close range.