Gao Yitong

Author: Wang Wenjie (Illustrator)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: Sun Wei, dates of birth and death unknown, from Dong Yue (now Shaoxing, Zhejiang), styled as Huaji Mountain Man. A famous painter of the late Tang Dynasty, known for his reserved temperament and transcendent spirit. When Emperor Xizong of Tang fled Chang'an to Sichuan, Sun Wei also entered Sichuan and settled in Chengdu. During the Guangkai era (885-888), he served as the Military General of Wencheng Palace in Sichuan. He excelled in painting figures, Buddhist and Taoist deities, pines and rocks, and ink bamboo, particularly renowned for his mastery of water scenes, often paired with Zhang Nanben, who was skilled in painting fire. He created numerous murals in temples such as Yingtian Temple, Zhaojue Temple, and Fuhai Temple. His brushwork was exquisite, his style bold and grand, and his artistry elevated and refined. In the Song Dynasty, over 30 of Sun Wei's works remained, but only the Highly Elegant Figures survive to this day. At the beginning of the scroll is a calligraphic inscription in Emperor Huizong's "Slim Gold" script: "Sun Wei's Highly Elegant Figures." The painting depicts the story of the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" from the Wei and Jin periods. Four figures from the group—Shantao, Wang Rong, Liu Ling, and Ruan Ji—are still present, while the other three—Qi Kang, Xiang Xiu, and Ruan Xian—were missing by the Northern Song Dynasty. The four main figures are seated separately on luxurious carpets, each accompanied by a young attendant. The figures are lifelike, elegant in demeanor, and fully embody both form and spirit.