Poet-painter espoused respect for all mankind
Print Edition
Painter and poet Yang Weizhen (1296-1370), who lived during the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), is remembered for his “human nature” theory, which was regarded quite radical at that time.
He advocated that a man, whether he be academic or farmer, hermit or royal court official, should be respected equally with all others.
Born into a family of doctors and scholars, Yuan received a strict education when he was young. The story is told that his father Yong Hong, in order to make the boy concentrate on studying, locked him in a room for five years and had his daily meals brought to him.
Luckily, the little Yang was smart. It is said that he could memorize a 10,000-word article accurately every day.
In 1327, he was promoted to become the head of Tiantai County in east China’s Zhejiang Province. After Yang launched a policy of sending corrupt officials to jail, he was framed by his enemies and demoted to a salt official. He pleaded for a reduction in the salt tax but was rebuffed.
On a new course
With his public career in tatters, Yang set off on a new course. He removed his official robes, donned loose old clothes and went into the mountains to surround himself with running water and tranquil beauty.
He settled in Songjiang and became a poet and painter. Yang was accomplished both in verse and in opera studies, winning respect also for his calligraphy. Written in a free, casual style with bold, powerful strokes, his calligraphy expressed Yang’s personality.
He was also talented in music.
In his later years, he was often found playing the flute while floating in a small boat on one of Songjiang’s rivers.
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