The idea of retreating from society into mountainous landscapes has a long history in China. Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian followers all regarded mountains as sacred places where one could become spiritually fulfilled, far from restraining social burdens.

This exhibition features classical Chinese paintings from Mia’s permanent collection that express the idyllic life of mountain dwellers, from recluses in their mountain huts to scenic lakes with fishermen who represent a life of freedom and spontaneity. Many paintings depict cascading waterfalls, a reference to the Confucianist and Daoist analogy for facing life’s troubles: to gaze into a waterfall is to gaze into one’s mind.