Introduction
Chinese painting originates from the prehistoric rock paintings and drawings on potteries in the Stone Age. Painting increasingly gained its own artistic significance and becomes an independent medium of artistic expression, leading to the emergence of the traditional Chinese painting. The artists use specially made brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and silk as the main tools. This art form employs variations of lines and ink tones, using techniques such as outlining, texturing, dotting, and shading to depict objects and compose scenes.
Chinese painting mainly depicts figures, landscapes, flowers and birds. As early as the Warring States period (475-221 BCE), the figure painting had emerged and achieved maturity by the Wei, Jin, the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (220-589), flourishing in the Tang dynasty (618-907). The landscape painting, once serving only as background, gradually broke free from its subordinate status to figure painting in the Sui dynasty (581-618) and thrived in the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). By the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-979), the flower-and-bird painting had evolved into a major genre with different styles and schools. In terms of artistic techniques, Chinese painting has created several exemplary patterns of approach, including gongbi (meticulous brushwork), baimiao (outline drawing), qinglü (blue and green), shuimo (ink wash), pomo (splash ink), and mogu (boneless).
Since the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), the literati painting emerged and rose to prominence. This genre emphasizes expressing the artist's subjective emotions and aspirations through symbolic techniques, and the artists' cultivation in calligraphy and literary skills. These literati painters pursued self-expression and the spiritual essence in paintings. In the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the two major artistic trends, namely imitation of the archaic styles and innovation, predominated and led a diverse and multi-faceted development. The integration of poetry, calligraphy, paintings, and seals came into fashion, actively practiced by various schools. Since the late Qing dynasty, the Shanghai School painting pioneered in modernizing Chinese painting. The Lingnan School and the Beijing-Tianjin School also emerged and contributed to the establishment of modern Chinese paintings.
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Buddha Figure and Buddhist Sutra, album leaf
The leaf bears no inscription or seal of the artist. The hands of this Buddha are raised in Abhaya and Varada Mudras position. The Buddha sits on the lotus seat. There is a halo behind the Buddha's head. The lotus seat is adorned with a curtain above. The figures' faces look dignified, and the drapery of their clothing is depicted with smooth and round brushstrokes, which reflects the style of early figure painting. The Tibetan manuscripts are on both sides of the painting.
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Travelling in Mountains and Rivers, album leaf
Zhu Rui, a native of Hebei, served in the Imperial Art Academy during the Xuade reign (1119-1125). Zhu Rui was adept at landscapes and particularly excelled in depicting mules, scenes of hunting in snow and grinding wheels. The lower right corner of this painting bears the signature "Zhu Rui'' that identifies it as a rare and authenticated surviving work by the artist. The trees and rocks of this painting are in Guo Xi's style. It depicts three oxen pulling a cart through a stream, while another ox-drawn cart is partially visible on a mountain path, creating a lively narrative scene. This piece was once part of the collection of Geng Zhaozhong during the Qing dynasty.
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Landscape of Xiaoxiang, handscroll
Mi Youren (1074-1153, or 1086-1165), or Mi Yinren, is also known by his zi (designated name) Yuanhui, and his hao (literary name) Lanzhuo Laoren in his later life. His ancestral home was in Taiyuan in Shanxi, and he later moved to Runzhou (present-day Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province). As the eldest son of Mi Fu, he co-founded the "Mi Family Misty Mountains" style with his father. This painting was created in the fifth year (1135) of the Shaoxing era for Zuo Dagong. It is exceptionally rare, as it bears inscription by 16 distinguished scholars, including Zhu Xi of the Southern Song dynasty.
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Ink Plum Blossom, hanging scroll
Wang Mian (1287-1359), also known by his zi (designated name) Yuanzhang and hao (literary name) Kuaiji Shannong, was a native of Zhuji in Zhejiang. He excelled in painting ink plum blossoms, developing a distinctive style of his own. This artwork portrays plum branches cascading downward with numerous buds and blossoms. It was created in the 15th year (1355) of the Zhizheng era, when the artist was 69 years old. The painting bears five poems inscribed by the artist himself. The mounting margins and surrounding areas include responding poems by Xu Lin, Wang Wei, Zhu Yunming, Lu Shen, Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin, and Wang Chong of the Ming dynasty.
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Streams in the Mountains, hanging scroll
Ni Zan (1301-1374), originally named Ting, a native of Wuxi in Jiangsu, is also known by his zi (designated name) Yuanzhen and his hao (literary name) Yunlin. He was one of the "Four Masters of the Yuan". This painting was created for Zhou Bo'ang. It depicts trees and rocks, with a landscape from a horizontal perspective in the upper section and two layers of distant mountains. The brushwork is refined, radiating vitality. The artwork bears four inscriptions by the artist himself and is considered one of Ni Zan's most exquisite works. It was completed in the 24th year (1364) of the Zhizheng era, when the artist was 59 years old.
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Ten Taoist Masters, handscroll
Hua Zuli (active in the 14th century) is known by his zi (designated name) Tangqing, with his native place unknown. He specialized in painting figures. This is his only surviving work. This painting portrays Laozi and his disciples: Yin Xi, Wenzi (Xin Xing), Geng Sangchu, Nan Rongchu, Yinwen, Shi Chengqi, Cui Qu, Bai Ju, Liezi (Lie Yukou) and Zhuangzi (Zhuang Zhou). Wu Bing wrote their biographies in the third year (1326) of the Taiding era.
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Winter Birds on Rocks and Plum-blossom Trees, hanging scroll
Lü Ji (1477-?), also known by his zi (designated name) Tingzhen and his hao (literary name) Leyu, was a native of Siming (present-day Ningbo, Zhejiang province). He worked in the Renzhi Palace during the Hongzhi reign (1488-1505) and held the post of Imperial Guard Commissioner. He specialized in painting birds and flowers, mastering both gongbi (meticulous brush) and xieyi (freehand) styles. This work depicts rocks and flowing streams with two branches of plum blossoms and three different species of birds, all rendered in a graceful and leisurely manner.
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Study among Chinese Parasol and Bamboo, hanging scroll
Qiu Ying (?-1552) is also known by his zi (designated name) Shifu and his hao (literary name) Shizhou. A native of Taicang in Jiangsu, Qiu Ying lodged in Suzhou. He was skilled in landscape, figure, and jiehua (architecture painting), particularly excelled in imitating. His imitation is almost the same as the original painting. He is recognized as one of the "Four Masters of the Ming Dynasty". This painting depicts a spacious mountain villa where a figure sits in leisure among trees and bamboo. The brushwork is exceptionally detailed. This is one of his masterworks. It bears the signature "Made by Qiu Ying, Shifu", and includes inscriptions by Wang Chong, Wen Zhengming, and Peng Nian. The work was later included in the Qing imperial collection.
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Traveling in Xishan Mountains, handscroll
Shen Zhou (1427-1509) is also known by his zi (designated name) Qinan and his hao (literary names) Shitian and Baishiweng. A native of Changzhou (present-day Wu county, Jiangsu province), Shen Zhou was adept in painting landscape, flower and bird. He is one of the "Four Masters of the Ming". This handscroll exhibits a full composition, executed with sparse yet vigorous brushwork and characterized by expressive ink washes. The work conveys a powerful, dynamic spirit, standing as a masterwork from the artist's late period.
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Huangmao Island, handscroll
Tang Yin (1470-1523) is also known by his zi (designated names) Bohu and Ziwei, his hao (literary name) Liuru Jushi. A native of Wu county (present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu province), Tang Yin was a student of Shen Zhou and Zhou Chen, and he was one of the "Four Masters of the Ming". This painting depicts Huangmao Island in Lake Tai. It portrays towering rocks beside the river bank, where a figure is seated. Qiu Shunzi inscribed on a separate paper mounted alongside. This work is a masterpiece from the artist's early period and includes colophons by Zhang Ling, Zhu Yunming, and others.
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Lotus Flower In May, hanging scroll
Xu Wei (1521-1593) is also known by his zi (designated name) Wenchang and his hao (literary names) Tianchi and Qingteng in his later life. A native of Shanyin (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang province), Xu Wei was adept in painting landscapes, figures, flowers, birds, insects and fish with simple strokes. Xu Wei pioneered the ink xieyi (freehand) style in flower-and-bird paintings. This painting depicts two lotus blossoms and three lotus leaves, interspersed with reeds. The ink washes are meticulous composed. This is a refined work of the artist.
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Landscape, album leaves
Dong Qichang (1555-1636), also known by his zi (designated name) Xuanzai and his hao (literary name) Xiangguang, was a native of Huating (present-day Songjiang, Shanghai). He was adept in calligraphy, painting landscapes, and authenticating artworks. This album was created by Dong Qichang in the 44th year (1617) of the Wanli reign for his disciple Wang Shimin when Dong was 63 years old. In it, he emulated the styles of renowned masters from the Song and Yuan dynasties, inscribing selected poetic lines with refined and precise brushwork and lustrous ink. It was later authenticated and collected by Wang Shimin's son, Wang Yan, among others.
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Filtering Wine, hanging scroll
Ding Yunpeng (1547-1628) is also known by his zi (designated name) Nanyu and his hao (literary name) Shenghua Jushi. A native of Xiuning in Anhui, Ding Yunpeng was famous for paintings of figures, images of Buddha and also landscapes and flowers. This painting demonstrates meticulous brushwork, precise lines, and a palette of archaic brilliance, fully revealing the artist's masterful skill.
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Plum Blossom and Bird, hanging scroll
Chen Hongshou (1598-1652) is also known by his zi (designated name) Zhanghou and his hao (literary name) Laolian and later hao Huichi. A native of Zhuji (in present-day Shaoxing) in Zhejiang, Chen Hongshou was renowned for paintings of figures, landscapes, flowers and birds. He was a student of Lan Ying. This painting depicts an old plum tree in full bloom, with a small sparrow perched on one of its branches. Adjacent to the tree are an elegant rock, a cluster of slender bamboo, and a spray of red leaves.
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Eight Views of Landscape, handscroll
Gong Xian (1619-1689), also named Qixian, is also known by his zi (designated name) Banqian and hao (literary name) Banshan Yeren. A native of Kunshan in Jiangsu, Gong Xian lived in Shangyuan (present-day Nanjing, Jiangsu province). He was the leading painter of the "Eight Masters of Nanjing" and adept in landscape painting and ink usage. This painting employs layered ink washes to depict the misty landscape of Jiangman. The ink is lush, while the coloring is restrained and elegant, which creates a profoundly serene atmosphere. This was painted in the 23rd year (1684) of the Kangxi reign when he was 66 years old.
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Imitation of Wang Meng's Landscape, hanging scroll
Wang Shimin (1592-1680) is also known by his zi (designated names) Xunzhi and his hao (literary names) Yanke and Xilu Laoren. A native of Taicang in Jiangsu, Wang Shimin rose to vice minister of Taichangsi (Department of Rituals and Sacrifices) in the Ming dynasty, but he refused to serve in the Qing court. A master of landscape painting, he was regarded as the leading painter of the "Four Wangs" and one of the "Six Masters of Early Qing". He painted after Huang Gongwang's tradition frequently, but on this painting, he inscribed that this painting was painted after Wang Meng's style, which is relatively rare. This is painted in the fourth year (1665) of the Kangxi reign, when the painter was 74 years old.
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Imitation of Wang Meng's Landscape, hanging scroll
Wang Yuanqi (1642-1715), also known by his zi (designated name) Maojing and hao (literary names) Lutai and Shishi Daoren, was a native of Taicang in Jiangsu, and one of the "Six Masters of the Early Qing". This painting portrays layered peaks and luxuriant forests, with a composition and texture strokes similar to Dwelling in the Mountains on a Summer Day. It demonstrates his approach of learning from antiquity without being constrained by it. The work was created in the 40th year (1701) of the Kangxi reign, when the artist was 60 years old.
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Old Trees among the Mist, hanging scroll
Yun Shouping (1633-1690), originally named Ge, is also known by his zi (designated name) Shouping and his hao (literary name) Nantian. A native of Wujin (present-day Changzhou, Jiangsu province) and one of the "Six Masters of the Early Qing", he excelled in landscape and flower painting. The composition presents two banks along the river. In the foreground, trees scatter on the slope; in the background, the streams flow down the mountains on which withered trees and bamboo stand. The atmosphere is sparse, tranquil, and rendered with a deliberate simplicity. The painting echoes the style of the Yuan-dynasty master Cao Zhibai. This work was created in the 11th year (1672) of the Kangxi reign, when the artist was 40 years old.
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Luoyan Peak of the Huashan Mountain, hanging scroll
Fa Ruozhen (1613-1696) is also known by his zi (designated name) Hanru and his hao (literary name) Huangshi. A native of Jiaozhou in Shandong, Fa Ruozhen was skilled in landscape painting. This painting captures layered peaks enveloped in mist, merging grandeur with ethereal grace. It is a representative work of his late years. The work was created in the fourth year (1685) of the Kangxi reign, when the artist was 73.
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Landscape, album leaves
Hongren (1610-1664), originally named Jiang Tao and later became a monk in the early Qing dynasty. Native to She county in Anhui, he was also known by his hao (literary names) Jianjiang and Wuzhi. As one of the "Four Monks in the early Qing", he was adept at landscape painting. This album depicts varied trees, dwellings, layered rocks, and cascading streams. It integrates styles from Song, Yuan, and Ming masters, with delicate dotting and shading, exhibiting a natural and brisk style.
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Reading in a Cottage among Mountains, hanging scroll
Shitao (1642-1707), a descendant of the Ming dynasty royal family, was originally named Zhu Ruoji. He was known by his Buddhist name Yuanji, his zi (designated name) Shitao and his hao (literary name) Dadizi. A native of Quanzhou in Guangxi, he moved to Xuancheng and Nanjing in succession, and finally settled in Yangzhou. Adept in painting landscape and flowers, he was one of the "Four Monks of the early Qing". The painting depicts lush plants and forests with dense dots and shading strokes, evoking a classical grandeur. This painting was painted in the 20th year (1681) of the Kangxi reign when the artist was 40.
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Amitāyus, hanging scroll
Jin Nong (1687-1763) is also known by his zi (designated name) Shoumen and hao (literary name) Dongxin. A native of Renhe (present-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang province), he lived in Yangzhou for a long time. Known as one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou", he was skilled in painting flowers, plants, and Buddhism imagery. The painting depicts Amitāyus leaning on a staff under a tree, portrayed in a simple, archaic manner. The brushwork alternates between dry and moist strokes, with vigorous lines that evoke the robust quality of ancient bronze inscription. This painting was painted in the 24th year (1759) of the Qianlong reign, when the artist was 73.
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Orchid, hanging scroll
Zheng Xie (1693-1765) is also known by his zi (designated name) Kerou and his hao (literary names) Banqiao, Hongxue Shanqiao. A native of Xinghua in Jiangsu, Zheng Xie was renowned for paintings of orchid and bamboo and was one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou". The painting depicts several ink orchids, with leaves rendered in dark ink and flower stems executed in lighter brushwork. The approach integrates calligraphic techniques into painting, exhibiting a vivid and resonant vitality.
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Flowers, album leaves
Jiang Tingxi (1669-1732), also known by his zi (designated name) Yangsun and Youjun, as well as his hao (literary name) Nansha and Qingtong Jushi, was a native of Changshu in Jiangsu. Skilled in calligraphy and painting, he employed free-hand brushwork in still-life compositions, achieving vibrant and dynamic expressions. The artist occasionally created ink-wash paintings of floral branches as well as small-scale works depicting orchids and bamboo. This album portrays plants and flowers from various seasons in diverse forms, combining meticulous details with expressiveness. The use of mogu ("boneless", or without outline) technique imbues his works with an exquisite and firm vitality.
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Zhong Kui in a Wintry Grove, hanging scroll
Fei Danxu (1802-1850), also known by his zi (designated name) Zitao and hao (literary name) Xiaolou, was a native of Wucheng (present-day Huzhou, Zhejiang province). He specialized in portraiture and was particularly renowned for his depiction of court ladies in landscaped settings. He also skilled in landscapes and flower painting. This work draws inspiration from Wen Jia's Zhong Kui in a Wintry Grove. The painting depicts Zhong Kui standing under the withered trees with his young servant as streams flowing down the hills in the background. Zhong Kui, accompanied by a young servant, stands beneath a tree. The brushwork is exquisite, with a clean and refined colouring showcasing the charm of literati painting.
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Goddess of the Xiang River, hanging scroll
Ren Xiong (1823-1857), also known by his zi (designated name) Weichang and hao (literary name) Xiangpu, was a native of Xiaoshan in Zhejiang. He was a master of diverse subjects, including figures, landscapes, flowers, birds, insects, fish, and animals. This scroll portrays the ancient mythological goddess, the Goddess of the Xiang River. Adorned in elegant robes and holding a feather fan, she stands amidst drifting fallen leaves. The painting follows the style of Chen Hongshou, characterized by an archaic aesthetic.
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Autumn Scene, hanging scroll
Ren Xun (1835-1893), also known by his zi (designated name) Fuchang and Shunqin, was a native of Xiaoshan, Zhejiang. He is the younger brother of Ren Xiong. His figure paintings followed the style of Chen Hongshou. Ren was especially skilled in painting flowers and birds. This work depicts objects such as a butterfly fan, pinwheel, and gourd, rendered in freehand style. The brush lines are firm, and the coloring is refined and elegant. While capturing the subtle charm of an autumn scene, the painting also incorporates symbolic motifs—butterflies and gourds—to convey auspicious wishes for good fortune and longevity.
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A Lady Tiger-tamer, hanging scroll
Zhang Shanzi (1882-1940), named Ze, also known by his zi (designated name) Shanzi and hao (literary name) Huchi, was a native of Neijiang, Sichuan. He is the elder brother of Zhang Daqian. He excelled in painting, especially skilled in depicting tigers. Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), originally named Zhang Yuan and widely known by his hao (literary name) Daqian, was a native of Neijiang and a master of landscapes, birds and flowers, and figures. This collaborative work portrays a reclining tiger and a lady. The painting combines meticulous details with freehand expression, creating lifelike forms.
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Beans and Crickets, hanging scroll
Qi Baishi (1864-1957), originally named Qi Chunzhi and later Qi Huang, is also known by his zi (designated name) Binsheng and hao (literary name) Baishi. He was a native of Xiangtan, Hunan, with ancestral roots in Dangshan (present-day Suzhou, Anhui province). A master of seal carving, calligraphy, and painting, he pioneered a unique style. This work shows a frame of hyacinth beans with two crickets below. The artist balances wet and dry ink skillfully, using vigorous brushwork to depict this lighthearted scene. The scroll was painted in 1936, when the artist was 73.
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Cat and Butterfly, hanging scroll
Xu Beihong (1895-1953), originally named Xu Shoukang, was a native of Yixing, Jiangsu (present-day Wuxi). He was skilled in figures, animals, and bird-and-flower painting, especially good at painting horses, and advocated for the integration of Chinese and Western styles. This painting depicts a playful scene of a cat and butterfly. The motif of a cat and butterfly is a visual pun on the homophonic phrase mao die, which signifies longevity. This scroll was painted in 1943 as a birthday gift for a friend of Xu in the Qingcheng Mountain in Sichuan. The artist was 49 at the time.
Preface
Chinese painting originates from the prehistoric rock paintings and drawings on potteries in the Stone Age. Painting increasingly gained its own artistic significance and becomes an independent medium of artistic expression, leading to the emergence of the traditional Chinese painting. The artists use specially made brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and silk as the main tools. This art form employs variations of lines and ink tones, using techniques such as outlining, texturing, dotting, and shading to depict objects and compose scenes.
Chinese painting mainly depicts figures, landscapes, flowers and birds. As early as the Warring States period (475-221 BCE), the figure painting had emerged and achieved maturity by the Wei, Jin, the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (220-589), flourishing in the Tang dynasty (618-907). The landscape painting, once serving only as background, gradually broke free from its subordinate status to figure painting in the Sui dynasty (581-618) and thrived in the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). By the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-979), the flower-and-bird painting had evolved into a major genre with different styles and schools. In terms of artistic techniques, Chinese painting has created several exemplary patterns of approach, including gongbi (meticulous brushwork), baimiao (outline drawing), qinglü (blue and green), shuimo (ink wash), pomo (splash ink), and mogu (boneless).
Since the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), the literati painting emerged and rose to prominence. This genre emphasizes expressing the artist's subjective emotions and aspirations through symbolic techniques, and the artists' cultivation in calligraphy and literary skills. These literati painters pursued self-expression and the spiritual essence in paintings. In the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the two major artistic trends, namely imitation of the archaic styles and innovation, predominated and led a diverse and multi-faceted development. The integration of poetry, calligraphy, paintings, and seals came into fashion, actively practiced by various schools. Since the late Qing dynasty, the Shanghai School painting pioneered in modernizing Chinese painting. The Lingnan School and the Beijing-Tianjin School also emerged and contributed to the establishment of modern Chinese paintings.
Section I The Tang and Song Dynasties (618-1279)
Chinese painting entered a new phase in the Tang dynasty. Figure painting obtained remarkable achievements, encompassing a wide range of subjects such as figures riding horses, court ladies, portraits, and religious scenes. Landscape painting evolved into two styles: blue-and-green and ink-wash. Techniques of flower-and-bird painting tended to mature, with the popularity of oxen and horses as main subjects.
In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Chinese painting inherited the legacy of the Tang dynasty while laying the groundwork for innovations of the Song dynasty. The emergence of the two styles in this era marked an important shift in the history of landscape painting: the Northern Landscape School represented by Jing Hao and Guang Gong, alongside the Southern Landscape School represented by Dong Yuan and Ju Ran. Flower-and-bird painting was led by two stylistic schools that embodied distinct aesthetic tastes: the so-called "luxurious" style of Huang Quan featuring realistic and colourful depiction, and the unrestrained style of Xu Xi known as "wild elegance".
In the Northern and Southern Song dynasties, the court painting academy became prominent. Figure paintings and genre paintings were highly developed. The paintings of the Northern Song court aimed to be detailed and naturalistic. Since the Southern Song dynasty, landscape painting evolved towards a more simplified, bold and unconstrained style.
Section II The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368)
The Yuan dynasty marked an important transition in the Chinese painting history, characterized by the rise of literati painting. Baimiao (outline drawing) figure painting, flower-and-bird painting, and jiehua (paintings depicting architectures) were all further developed.
Early Yuan literati painters, represented by Qian Xuan and Zhao Mengfu, advocated for reviving the traditions from the Tang dynasty, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and the Northern Song dynasty. They integrated calligraphic brushstrokes into painting. Thus, the Yuan painting trend that prioritized spiritual essence over forms was developed, profoundly influencing the development of literati painting in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The literati xieyi (freehand or expressive) painting, emphasizing expressing personal emotions and aspirations, dominated the field of painting in the mid-to-late Yuan period. Literati artists combined poetry, calligraphy and painting. The frequent themes included landscapes reflecting reclusive thought, ink flower-and-bird, and the four natural subjects—plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo and rocks—symbolizing noble characters. Huang Gongwang, Wu Zhen, Ni Zan, and Wang Meng, revered as the "Four Masters of Yuan", shaped the stylistic traits of the literati landscape paintings.
Section III The Early and Middle Ming Dynasty (1368-1572)
In the early Ming dynasty, the court painting and the Zhejiang School dominated the art scene. The Ming court painting inherited the realistic and colourful approach of the Song court painting. The Zhejiang School master Dai Jin inspired Wu Wei to establish the Jiangxia School. Signified by powerful brushstrokes, their style was broadly influential.
In the mid-Ming dynasty, the prosperous economy and culture in Suzhou led to the emergence of the Wu School. First led by Shen Zhou and later by Wen Zhengming, the Wu School revisited the traditions of the Yuan dynasty literati paintings, mainly depicting the literati's daily life and the landscapes of Jiangnan (regions southeast of the Yangtze River). This regional school dominated the realm of painting for over a century. Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, together with Tang Yin and Qiu Ying who both excelled in painting, were collectively known as the "Four Masters of the Wu School". In the field of flower-and-bird painting, Chen Chun (Baiyang) and Xu Wei (Qingteng) initiated a new trend of bold freehand brushwork, commanding significant influence on future generations.
Section IV The Late Ming Dynasty (1573-1644)
In the late Ming dynasty, the Songjiang School gained its reputation after the Wu School in the realm of landscape painting. The Songjiang School was consisted of the Huating School represented by Dong Qichang, the Susong School headed by Zhao Zuo, and the Yunjian School led by Shen Shichong, among which Dong Qichang was the most influential figure. His painting emphasized the charm of brushworks and illustrated a style of archaic, robust, and serene elegance. During this period, many other regional schools emerged, such as the Wulin School represented by Lan Ying, and the Jiaxing School represented by Xiang Shengmo.
A number of figure painting artists with unique styles became renowned in the late Mng dynasty, among which Ding Yunpeng, You Qiu, and Wu Bin were the most famous. Zeng Jing, famous for his portraits, developed a new style that emphasized "ink bones" and shading. This distinctive approach to painting attracted many followers, leading to the formation of the Bochen School. Chen Hongshou, with his archaic and eccentric style, rose to prominence alongside Cui Zizhong, whose works followed ancient traditions. The two were known as "Chen of the South and Cui of the North".
Section V The Early Qing Dynasty (1644-1722)
In the early Qing dynasty, the school of "Four Wangs", represented by Wang Shimin, Wang Jian, Wang Hui, and Wang Yuanqi, was patronized by the royal court and eventually became the orthodox of Qing dynasty painting. Dong Qichang's style and art theory deeply influenced this group. They revered the archaism taste and Dong's ideal in the use of ink and composition of brushstrokes, leading a powerful movement of imitating ancient styles. Their influence continued throughout the Qing dynasty. Yun Shouping expanded the landscape of flower painting with the mogu (boneless) technique that brought a new dimension to this genre, which was referred to as xie sheng zheng pai (realistic school or drawing from nature).
In Jiangnan, a number of painters who remained loyal to the former dynasty painted with strong individualities, such as the "Four Monks" (Hongren, Kuncan, Zhu Da, and Shitao), Mei Qing of the Huangshan School, Zha Shibiao of the Xin'an School, and Gong Xian, one of the "Eight Masters of Jinling". These artists valued learning from nature, rejecting rigid conventions, and conveying personal characteristics in their paintings. Therefore, their works were imbued with stronger and richer emotions, with innovative and distinctive styles.
Section VI The Middle Qing Dynasty (1723-1820)
In the mid-Qing dynasty, the court painting academy prospered from the Kangxi reign to the Qianlong reign. The "Four Wangs" deeply influenced the landscape painting of the court. The flower-and-bird painting in this period featured the realistic approach and Yun Shouping's "boneless" technique. In addition, the court also recruited western missionary painters such as Giuseppe Castiglione (an Italian missionary, known as Lang Shining in Chinese), resulting in the combination of Chinese and Western styles as a hallmark of the Qing court painting.
In this period, Yangzhou, a thriving commercial hub, attracted a group of disillusioned literati who made a living by painting and well-educated professional painters. They used their works to express personal emotions and aspirations, characterized by eccentric forms of depicted figures, strong individualities, and freedom in brushstrokes, leading a bold and new artistic movement known as the "Yangzhou School". The most renowned painters included Jin Nong, Zheng Xie, and Luo Pin, who were famous for depicting the "Four Gentlemen" (plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums) with xieyi (expressive) method that pursued aesthetic appeal in brushworks. Their works deeply influenced the modern flower-and-bird paintings.
Section VII The Late Qing Dynasty (1821-1911)
In the late Qing dynasty, the "Four Wangs" style landscape painting and the Yun School bird-and-flower painting gradually declined, as most paintings ingratiated viewers with kitsch styles. The Jingjiang School of landscape painting represented by Zhang Jin, and the Ju School of flower-and-bird painting led by Ju Chao and Ju Lian, introduced new ideas, but they failed to re-energize the art scene.
The coastal cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou became the centres of economy, industry, and commerce. Painters from all over the country gathered in these cities and formed artist groups with similar creative concepts. The Shanghai School, mainly active in Shanghai, emerged as a new force, with notable artists such as Xugu, Zhao Zhiqian, Ren Yi, and Wu Changshuo. They met the aesthetical taste of the emerging civil class in Shanghai. These artists combined the tradition of the Yangzhou School with the calligraphic brushstrokes of the ancient inscriptions on steles and bronzes. They created with an innovative and elegant style of painting that resonated with a broad audience.
Section VIII After 1912
In the early 20th century, influenced by the movement of promoting Chinese traditional culture, the artists aimed to revitalize Chinese paintings, infusing new possibilities into their works. Notable artists, such as Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, and Pan Tianshou, rooted their works in the Chinese painting tradition while pioneering innovative techniques. Their works responded to the tastes of their contemporaries. Other artists, including Gao Jianfu, Xu Beihong, and Lin Fengmian, incorporated Western painting techniques into their work, creating a new style that blended Chinese and Western styles and bridged the past and the present.
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, socialist realism, revolutionary realism, and revolutionary romanticism became the mainstream genres. These works aimed to reflect modern life and serve the people. As society continues to evolve, the digital age brings new sensory experiences. The art scene of Chinese painting is gradually manifesting a new situation where an array of diversified schools and techniques coexist in harmony.
The Hall for Monumental Calligraphies and Paintings
In the long history of Chinese painting and calligraphy, there are many extraordinary masterpieces of immense scale. These artworks overflow with the spirit of the artists' brushworks, manifested in colourful creations. These art works, remarkable for their grand scale and expansive presence, have become a source of spiritual solace for literati, allowing them to immerse themselves in literary artistry and wander in spirit within these majestic landscapes.
The Hall for Monumental Calligraphies and Paintings offers possibilities to showcase these large-scale paintings that are too big for regular vitrines. These masterpieces will be displayed on focused exhibitions to meet visitors.
Learning from the Mountain View: Wang Lü, Lu Zhi and two "Album of Mountain Hua"
Mountain Hua, also known as Mountain Taihua, is the "West Mountain" of the "Five Great Mountains of China". In a legend, a thousand-petaled lotus grows in the pond atop the mountain, and people consuming it can lead to immortality. Since ancient times, Mountain Hua has captivated generations of literati with its perilous and elegant landscape.
The Album of Mountain Hua is one of the most representative travel record landscape paintings in the Chinese art history. It was painted by the renowned physician Wang Lü (1332-after 1384), who followed the painting style of the Southern Song painters Ma Yuan and Xia Gui. In the 16th year (1383) of the Hongwu era, Wang Lü depicted 40 scenic spots in this album after a visit to Mountain Hua. Today, 11 of the album leaves are housed in the Shanghai Museum, while the 29 leaves are in the Palace Museum.
Since the early Ming dynasty, the names of the scenic spots on Mountain Hua have changed over time. However, Wang Lü's inscriptions and travel notes in the album roughly outlines his journey. His route was no different from that of modern tourists who choose to hike up the mountain. He started from the outer mountains to the Yuquan Taoism Temple, followed the path to Qingke Terrace, then headed east past Riyue Rock, and went south through Canglong Ridge to the Western Peak. Afterward, he proceeded to the Southern Peak, the Eastern Peak, and finally the Central Peak (Yunü Peak), completing the entire journey.
In the second year (1574) of the Wanli reign, at the request of Wang Shizhen (1526-1590), Lu Zhi (1496-1576) created a complete copy of Wang Lü's Album of Mount Hua. The album was later inscribed by renowned scholars such as Li Panlong, Wang Shizhen, Yu Yunwen, Zhou Tianqiu, Mo Shilong, and Shen Shixing.
Highlights
Buddha Figure and Buddhist Sutra, album leaf
Travelling in Mountains and Rivers, album leaf
Landscape of Xiaoxiang, handscroll
Ink Plum Blossom, hanging scroll
Streams in the Mountains, hanging scroll
Ten Taoist Masters, handscroll
Winter Birds on Rocks and Plum-blossom Trees, hanging scroll
Study among Chinese Parasol and Bamboo, hanging scroll
Traveling in Xishan Mountains, handscroll
Huangmao Island, handscroll
Lotus Flower In May, hanging scroll
Landscape, album leaves
Filtering Wine, hanging scroll
Plum Blossom and Bird, hanging scroll
Eight Views of Landscape, handscroll
Imitation of Wang Meng's Landscape, hanging scroll
Imitation of Wang Meng's Landscape, hanging scroll
Old Trees among the Mist, hanging scroll
Luoyan Peak of the Huashan Mountain, hanging scroll
Landscape, album leaves
Reading in a Cottage among Mountains, hanging scroll
Amitāyus, hanging scroll
Orchid, hanging scroll
Flowers, album leaves
Zhong Kui in a Wintry Grove, hanging scroll
Goddess of the Xiang River, hanging scroll
Autumn Scene, hanging scroll
A Lady Tiger-tamer, hanging scroll
Beans and Crickets, hanging scroll
Cat and Butterfly, hanging scroll