Biography Of Li Wei's "West Lake Map" Volume Study

The 'Landscape of West Lake'(Xihu tu),which is attributed to Li Song(12th-early 13th century)and is considered as an early topographical painting in South Song Dynasty(1127-1279).This study,however,refuses to date this painting to South Song Dynasty but to middle-Ming Dynasty.Firstly,this study analyzes the stylistic features(brushwork,motif and composition)and paper texture.They are according with neither Li Song's nor Song Dynasty painting style which including philosophical understanding and poetic insight,since the painting was drawn by waterish brushwork and topographical structure,as some the signatures of Wu Men school motif.Secondly,this study focuses on the history of the three stone pagodas in the West Lake.In contrast to the topographical picture of the West Lake in South Song Dynasty,the three stone pagodas were not depicted on this artwork.Because it is related to the event of three pagodas' destruction in middle-Ming(1492).On the other hand,the West Inner Lake was silted up by farming before 1506,which the painting represents this scene.Therefore,the painting could be dated in a period of fifteen years from 1492 to 1506.Finally,this study analyzes the painting of late-Ming Dynasty,'A Villa of West Lake'(Xihu caotang),and the painting of late-Ming Dynasty,'Scenic Attractions of West Lake'(Xihu qingqu)to reveal the reasons for forging the fake.It is clear that these artworks give some messages about prosperous painting market in Ming Dynasty.In order to make more profit,the workshops would fake the artistic works,which were connected to famous ancient painters and upper class collectors.