Mountain Pavilion and Cloud Peaks《山阁云峰图轴》

Qian Qiu (dates unknown)
Qian Qiu, courtesy name Shiting, was active during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods. He was from Rugao, Jiangsu. Qian Qiu was skilled in landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures, finding a unique path amidst the dominant “Four Wangs, Wu, and Yun” styles. He followed the styles of Shen Zhou and Wen Zhengming of the Wu School, earning considerable fame.

“Mountain Pavilion and Cloud Peaks”
This painting is rendered entirely with meticulous ink on silk. The rocks are depicted with hemp-fiber texture strokes, combining ink washes and contours with a balance of strength and softness, avoiding harsh and jagged lines. Merging elements from the Song, Yuan, and Wu School traditions, it diverges from the prevailing “Four Wangs” orthodox style, showcasing a distinctive personal approach.

钱球，生卒年不详，活动于乾嘉年间，字石亭，工山水、花鸟、人物，江苏如皋人。他能在“四王吴恽”画风的笼罩下另辟蹊径，宗法吴门沈周、文徵明风格，别具匠心，名噪一时。

此画全用细致墨笔绘于绢本之上，山石作披麻皴，皴擦并用，刚柔相济，不见奇峭之笔。融合了宋元与吴派文徵明遗韵，与当时流行的“四王”正统一路不同，颇具个人风格。