Dragon Appearing in the Clouds《云里龙现图轴》

Huang Shanshou (1855–1919)
Huang Shanshou, originally named Yao, was known by the courtesy names Xuchu and Xuchu and the pseudonyms Lisheng, Xudaoren, and Hexi Waishi. Born in Wujin, Jiangsu (modern-day Changzhou), Huang came from a humble background but demonstrated remarkable artistic talent from a young age. By his early teens, he was already skilled in painting. Renowned for his versatility, he excelled in landscapes, flowers and birds, and figure painting. Early in his career, he worked as a guest artist, and later, after the Xinchou year, he gained international recognition, selling his works overseas and becoming a prominent figure in Shanghai’s art scene.

“Dragon Appearing in the Clouds”
This scroll showcases Huang Shanshou’s exceptional skill in depicting ink dragons, a subject he mastered through both rigorous study and direct observation of nature. Inspired by Mi Zhun of Changzhou and informed by his practice of studying natural forms like clouds and mist at dawn, Huang developed a unique style that combined technical precision with dynamic expression.

The painting features a formidable black dragon, its body coiling through thick clouds, exuding power and vitality. The dragon’s head, raised in defiance, displays fierce eyes, bared fangs, and outstretched claws, conveying a sense of awe-inspiring majesty. Huang employs white space strategically to accentuate the dragon’s horns, whiskers, and claws, creating a sharp contrast with the rich, layered ink of its body. The surrounding clouds, rendered with delicate gradations, enhance the depth and atmosphere, emphasizing the dragon’s imposing presence.

This piece exemplifies Huang’s ability to blend natural observation with artistic imagination, resulting in a work that is both technically masterful and emotionally stirring. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the layered textures of the clouds, underscores his expertise in ink rendering, marking this scroll as a testament to his creative brilliance and enduring legacy in Chinese art.

黄山寿（1855—1919），原名曜，字旭初、勖初，号丽生、旭道人、鹤溪外史等，江苏武进（今常州）人。他出身贫困，用功至勤，天赋亦高，年十余即能画，山水、花鸟、人物无不精擅。早岁以客幕为生，辛丑年后鬻艺海上，是海派著名画家。

黄山寿墨龙画曾师从常州的糜准，但他也非常很重视师法自然，有时为了打好创作时的腹稿，黎明即起，仰视天空云彩，观察大自然的瞬间变化。此图即是其墨龙精品之作，层次十分丰富，显示出他高超的水墨渲染本领。图中绘一墨龙腾云驾雾，昂首瞋目，张牙舞爪；龙角、龙须、龙爪高光留白，黑白对比分明，引人注目，用以区分龙的形体；水墨层层渲染云气，墨气森严可畏，气势壮阔，强烈地衬托出龙的威武雄奇。