Transforming Inner Alchemical Vision into Painting: Huang Gongwang’s Clearing after Sudden Snow

This paper argues that the Yuan dynasty Daoist Huang Gongwang’s 黃公望 (1269–1354) painting Clearing after Sudden Snow resonates with principles of inner alchemy (neidan, 內丹), particularly stage known as resurgence yang force. Within this painting, four prominent visual elements—the sun, spirit room, cliff, and snowy mountains—come together to imbue a rich tapestry alchemical connotations. They collectively portray sequential stages cultivation, refinement, transformation in context alchemy. The not only captures moment transition where snow-covered terrain is gradually transforming into fresh awakened state, but it also embodies metaphor for transformative journey. Furthermore, each individual who engages may undergo their own personal through act contemplation reflection.