名山圖 (Mingshan Tu: Famous Mountains of China) (1633) - Page 24

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Illustration of Moon Rock

original: "Yueyan Tu." This title refers to a specific scenic spot on Mount Eryou characterized by a natural rock formation resembling the moon.

Moon Rock original: "Yueyan." A natural geological feature, often a circular hole or arch in a cliffside, celebrated for its resemblance to the full moon.
Landscape original: "Shanshui." Literally "mountains and water," the traditional term for landscape painting that seeks to capture the vital energy of nature.
Woodblock Print original: "Muke." An image created by carving a design into a wooden block, used here to provide a visual guide for the reader of the gazetteer or travelogue.
Garden original: "Yuanlin." A Chinese garden designed as a miniature version of the natural world, often incorporating rocks, water, and architecture.
Landscape View original: "Jingguan." A term used to describe a specific, curated vista or a notable "sight" within a larger scenic area.

This detailed woodblock illustration depicts the rugged, soaring peaks surrounding the "Moon Rock" site. The artist employs sophisticated "texture strokes" original: "cunfa"; a technique used in Chinese painting to describe the physical qualities of rock and soil to define the weathered faces of the cliffs. In the left portion of the spread, a scholar's pavilion is tucked precariously into a mountain crevice, suggesting a place for quiet meditation. To the right, the scene opens into a walled garden courtyard. Under the canopy of a large, ancient tree, a solitary figure is visible, perhaps representing a pilgrim or a local official overseeing the sacred grounds. The composition masterfully balances the wild, vertical energy of the mountains with the structured, peaceful atmosphere of the garden, illustrating the traditional Chinese ideal of living in harmony with nature.