It was established as a technique for Sansui-ga (landscapes painting) in China in the latter part of Tang, and in Song, Suiboku-ga of Shikunshi (four plants of high virtue) (pine, bamboo, plum, and chrysanthemum) were painted by bunjin-kanryo (government officials of letters).
中国で唐代後半に山水画の技法として成立し、宋代には、文人官僚の余技としての、四君子（松竹梅菊）の水墨画が行われた。