Ming artist continues to divide opinion
By Wing Tan |
November 16, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
DONG Qichang (1555-1636), a Songjiang native, was a famous Chinese painter and calligrapher during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), though he is also a controversial figure who divides opinion to this day.
On one hand, Dong was an expert on antiques, Buddhist studies, ink painting and calligraphy. On the other, as a very high-rank official Dong was said to control the art world through his political influence and judge painters abruptly.
Dong followed earlier painters and rejected innovation. In one of his books, he wrote that anyone who wanted to become an artist had to learn from the ancient painters.
His own paintings were once described as òvery skillfuló but òdull.ó
The modern great Chinese painter and art educator Xu Beihong (1895-1953) once said òDong was narrow-minded. He ruined the Chinese art world for 200 years.ó
Plain yet powerful
However, Dong was still a distinguished artist. His works were described as òfresh with delicate brushwork.ó
His calligraphy was outstanding, featuring a distinctive plain yet powerful style. Even the Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) learned and imitated Dong's calligraphy style.
In addition, he was a celebrated collector who owned many precious paintings and calligraphy works.
He was also a diligent worker, who never stopped painting and writing.
Dong's paintings and calligraphy work can be seen in the Imperial Palace in Beijing, Shanghai Museum and many other places.
On one hand, Dong was an expert on antiques, Buddhist studies, ink painting and calligraphy. On the other, as a very high-rank official Dong was said to control the art world through his political influence and judge painters abruptly.
Dong followed earlier painters and rejected innovation. In one of his books, he wrote that anyone who wanted to become an artist had to learn from the ancient painters.
His own paintings were once described as òvery skillfuló but òdull.ó
The modern great Chinese painter and art educator Xu Beihong (1895-1953) once said òDong was narrow-minded. He ruined the Chinese art world for 200 years.ó
Plain yet powerful
However, Dong was still a distinguished artist. His works were described as òfresh with delicate brushwork.ó
His calligraphy was outstanding, featuring a distinctive plain yet powerful style. Even the Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) learned and imitated Dong's calligraphy style.
In addition, he was a celebrated collector who owned many precious paintings and calligraphy works.
He was also a diligent worker, who never stopped painting and writing.
Dong's paintings and calligraphy work can be seen in the Imperial Palace in Beijing, Shanghai Museum and many other places.
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