Three Dimensions of “Distance” in Chinese Art

By Chen Chuanxi

According to painter Guo Xi (approx.1023-1085,Northern Song Dynasty),“distance” has three dimensions in a typical Chinese landscape painting,namely “high distance,”“deep distance” and “expansive distance.” The same principle can be applied to poetry as well.

Atop a grand mountain crest heaven and earth meet,

Long flows yonder river winding without retreat.(Li Bai)

This is “high distance.”

Jingmen beyond the deep gullies lie,

Lady Zhaojun’s hearth and home is nigh.(Du Fu)

This is “deep distance.”

Beneath the Eastern Hedge sweet bouquets I yield,

My gaze turns to the Southern Mountains revealed.(Tao Yuanming)

This is “level distance.”

High distance,or height,is abrupt and vast.Deep distance,or depth,is grand and boundless.Level distance,or width,is flat and plain.

Those of different ages and moods take to different kinds of distance.The youth are fond of height; the middle-aged are fond of depth; and the elderly are fond of width.