Book excerpt: The secret language of Chinese landscape painting A genre dating back more than 1,000 years, China's landscape painting tradition reflects all of its cultural and intellectual history, and its representational language famously follows its own rules. What at first glance seem to be idyllic ink-wash pictures actually depict far more than romantic landscapes. Through subtle allusions and references, Chinese landscape painters were able to convey a whole range of messages, from social positions to political opposition, all the way to philosophical observations and very personal feelings. This splendid illustrated volume unlocks these codes and juxtaposes important historical works with landscape paintings by internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists. The dialogue between past and present reveals surprising links, but also ruptures and conflicts.