The Second Highest Mountain in Taiwan

The Second Highest Mountain is today's Xueshan (Snow Moutain). Despite Taiwan's subtropical climate, snow covers the mountain's peak in colder months. The distinctive scenery sparked Ishikawa's interest: "The Second Highest Mountain is also called 'Old Snowtop'; when covered with white snow, it is even more imposing. It is best viewed from Ilan's Zhuoshui River (Lanyang River). From there, The Second Highest Mountain, Tao Mountain and Dabajian Mountain, are all within view. The scenery is even more magnificent than that of the Japanese Alps when seen from Shinshu's Kawanaka Island." Note: Compositionally, the painting is divided into three equal parts. Colors are light and simple, bright and appealing, demonstrating the artist's command of watercolor painting's essential qualities. The work faithfully depicts the intensity of Taiwan's sunlight; white, uncolored areas of the mountain represent the white snow's dazzling beauty.