First Influence Art Treasury -- Master of the Generation Dong Qichang

Author: Editorial Committee of "The Art Treasury of First Influence"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Dong Qichang (1555-1636), courtesy name Xuanzai, styled Xiangguang Jushi, was a native of Huating (now Songjiang County, Shanghai). He came from a declining landlord family. At the age of seventeen, he dropped out of school and began studying painting at the age of twenty-three. In 1589 (the 17th year of the Wanli reign), he passed the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy for further studies, marking the beginning of his over forty-year career as an official. Dong Qichang was a renowned calligrapher, painter, and art theorist of the late Ming Dynasty, as well as the founder of the "Songjiang School." He made significant contributions to both art theory and creative practice, earning a milestone status in the history of literati painting. Dong Qichang was a master calligrapher and painter. His (Notes from the Studio of Painting and Chan) is an extremely important work for studying the history of Chinese art. Dong Qichang achieved outstanding success in calligraphy. His calligraphy drew from diverse styles, combining elegance, freedom, and a transcendent spirit, while also incorporating innovative transformations. In terms of composition, the spacing between characters and lines was carefully arranged, balanced, and harmonious, with a strong pursuit of ancient methods. In poetry, Dong Qichang also demonstrated great talent. His poems were clear, natural, and straightforward. His inscriptions ranged from lengthy, eloquent, and subtly expressive to concise yet witty and thought-provoking. This art album selects the masterpieces of Dong Qichang's paintings, each accompanied by information such as the title, description, date, material, dimensions, artist, collector, and influence index, making it highly valuable. The album features innovative design, exquisite text, and an introductory section titled "Approaching Chinese Painting," which provides readers with knowledge about Chinese painting in terms of techniques, appreciation, and collection, as well as guidance on using the book.