After Cao Zhibai (Chinese, 1272–1355), Woodcutter Returning Through Snow in Forest

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), probably 17th century, ink and ink wash on paper, hanging scroll, later remounted in Japan, with an inscription to upper right bearing the title and date and signed 雲西老人曹知白 (Yunxi laoren, Cao Zhibai) together with a red artist seal, five red collector seals to lower edges of painting, the composition of a towering cliff the peaks looming above a cluster of dwellings tucked into a ravine and a plank bridge spanning a gorge, below a sailboat with two seated figures navigates a broad river bordered by wind bent, leafless gnarled old trees, in the foreground, robed figures cross a second rustic bridge over rocky shallows, the whole scene is pictured blanketed in snow.

Rolled 29 3/4 x 3 in., Hanging: DOA 92 x 29 3/4 in., Image size 70 x 23 in.

Toning to paper; extensive horizontal and vertical creases with loss to paper, especially in spots along deepest creases; silk on mount has dirt and some discoloration; no hanging cord to mounting; missing the roller knobs.