AUTUMN MOUNTAIN

By: Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

While visiting his friend Yün Nan-t'ien, Wang Shih-ku tells a

story about a masterful painting called Autumn Mountain by the
artist Ta Ch'ih. He explains that a man named Yen-k'o, a great
admirer of Ta Ch'ih, learned of the painting, which was supposed
to be the finest of the artist's works. Seeking the painting, Yen-
k'o ends up at the house of a Mr. Chang, who shows him the
painting. Yen-k'o stands in awe of the painting, declaring it of
"godlike quality". Convinced he has witnessed perfect beauty, he
attempts to purchase the painting a number of times over many
years, but Mr. Chang refuses to sell it.

Fifty years later, Wang Shih-ku himself, after hearing of it from

Yen-k'o, attempts to see the painting. He learns that Mr. Wang
has obtained the painting from Mr. Chang's grandson. Wang
Shih-ku goes to see the painting; he is, however, disappointed
when it is hung. The painting, while a masterpiece, does not live
up to the description Yen'ko had given. He and Yen-k'o show
their disappointment, though the renowned critic Lien-chou
lauds it as one of the greatest paintings ever produced.

After Wang Shih-ku finishes the story, he and Yün Nan-t'ien

muse over whether the painting had another version, or if the
masterpiece Yen-k'o saw never existed outside of his head. Wang
Shih-ku announces, that even if it never existed, he can still see it
in his head, so there is no loss. The two men clap and laugh after
realizing this.