Elegant and handsome

Author: Editorial Committee of "The Art Treasury of First Influence"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Tang Bohu (1470-1532), styled Tang Yin, with Bohu as his courtesy name. In the 12th year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, Tang Bohu was involved in the imperial examination bribery case and was imprisoned, remaining unemployed for the rest of his life. He devoted his life to landscapes, poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting, achieving profound mastery. Together with Wen Zhengming, Zhu Yunming, and Xu Zhengqing, he was known as the "Four Wits of Wuzhong." His landscape paintings feature rigorous composition and vigorous brushwork; his portraits range from exquisitely colored to simply elegant. Among his masterpieces, "The Solitary Duck Amidst the Setting Sun" displays meticulous technique and fluid lines; "The Court Musicians of Meng Shu" showcases detailed ink and color work with lifelike precision; "The Autumn Wind and Silk Fan" presents accurate depictions with unique charm.
Tang Bohu (1470-1523), styled Bohu, also known as the "Lithesome Scholar of Jiangnan." Born into a merchant family in Wuxian County, Jiangsu (now Suzhou), he was a versatile scholar from a young age. He initially studied painting under Zhou Chen before joining Wen Zhengming, Zhu Yunming, and Xu Zhengqing as the "Four Wits of Wuzhong." In the 11th year of the Hongzhi era (1498), Tang Bohu won the prestigious title of "Jueyuan" in the Nanjing Yingtian provincial examination. The following year, he was imprisoned due to involvement in another imperial examination bribery case. From then on, he devoted himself to poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting, remaining unemployed for life. Later, he converted to Buddhism and took the name "Liu Ru Jushi" (Master of the Six Like-mindedness).
This art album features a selection of Tang Bohu's masterpieces, each accompanied by information such as the work's title, description, date, medium, dimensions, technique, collector, and influence index, making it invaluable. The album features an innovative design and exquisite text. The introductory section, "Approaching Chinese Painting," also provides readers with knowledge about Chinese painting, including techniques, appreciation, and collection, as well as guidance on using this book.