Qing Dynasty painting theory

Author: Pan Yungao
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-12-01
Features: This book primarily collects the painting theories of ten artists from the late Qing Dynasty's reign of Emperor Qianlong to the reigns of Emperors Daoguang and Tongzhi, including Shen Zongqian, Fang Xun, Fan Ji, Wang Xuehao, Sheng Daishi, Qian Du, Zhang Shi, Hua Lin, Zheng Ji, and Song Nian. At this time, the debate between reviving tradition and innovation that had occurred in the early Qing Dynasty was becoming increasingly distant, but the fruits of that debate were becoming increasingly evident in the painting theories of this period. During this time, painters also discussed learning from the ancients, but what was more important was to have their own distinct style. For example, Hua Lin held a strong belief in the Southern School as the orthodox tradition and advocated learning from the ancients while emphasizing transformation. He stated, "Either to snatch the essence from the ancients and wish to change their appearance, or to forge anew and wish to express one's own spirit: one must delve deeply and think thoroughly to seek perfection."
1. The Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Theory Series is a popular reading series, with annotations and modern translations provided. At the beginning of each treatise, an introduction to the author and an overview of the value of their work are included.
2. The treatises selected for this series are mostly excerpts from the works of renowned masters throughout history, which have had an impact on the history of Chinese calligraphy and painting theory and possess certain theoretical or historical value. The series strives to maintain the original form without.
3. Each treatise is meticulously checked against two or more versions, with the versions noted.
4. Names, styles of calligraphy and painting, and titles are annotated upon their first occurrence in each book of the series; subsequent occurrences that require annotation are referenced to the relevant notes.
5. For words with multiple meanings, annotations appropriately cite examples to clarify the meaning for readers. For obscure or archaic terms whose meanings differ greatly from modern understanding, annotations also cite examples. For terms containing allusions, historical records are referenced to explain them.
6. Annotations are designed to fully convey the original meaning and are accurate; cited examples are reliable, and the sources are well-documented.
7. The modern translations strive to stay true to the original intent, minimizing paraphrasing to help readers understand the original text.