Collection in Memory of Mr. Dong Shouping

Author: Li Yu / Zhao Baoqin (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-11-01
Features: Dong Shouping (1904---1997), originally named Kui, was a renowned painter, art theorist, and connoisseur. He was from Hongtong County, Shanxi Province. He graduated from the Department of Economics at Beijing Dongfang University in 1926. He served as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a council member of the China Society for Friendship with Foreign Countries, an honorary president of the Beijing Chinese Painting Research Association, a member of the Chinese Artists Association, and an advisor to Rongbaozhai. Dong Shouping was celebrated for his paintings of Huangshan Mountain, pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, orchids, and was known by the titles "Dong Plum," "Shoupings Pine," "Shoupings Bamboo," and "Giant of Huangshan." His paintings were fresh, elegant, vigorous, and profound, with meticulous brushwork. They embodied traditional techniques, personal character, scholarly temperament, poetic and lyrical imagery, philosophical thought, and musical rhythm. They were rich in the spiritual essence of traditional Chinese brushwork while also reflecting the spirit of contemporary progress. His works could be said to express the grandeur of nature and convey the divine essence of creation. His outstanding achievements and unwavering pursuit in Chinese painting reached a new artistic realm pursued by generations of Chinese painters. His paintings advanced the development of Chinese literati painting to a new stage while also embodying the essence of Eastern art, making him a master of the Chinese art world. His calligraphy was highly individualistic, vigorous and robust, classical and unrestrained, with both form and spirit, and exuded a grand and generous demeanor, reflecting his noble spiritual realm, profound knowledge, and upright and open-minded character. His works have been exhibited both domestically and internationally and are collected by museums and galleries worldwide. In 1987, he traveled to Japan to participate in the "Asia Art Exchange" exhibition, engage in academic exchanges, and was awarded the "Fujisan Art Medal."