First Influence Art Treasury -- Elegant Paintings (Tang Bohu)

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 implicated in a bribery case in the imperial examinations 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 one of the "Four Wits of Wuzhong." His landscape paintings feature rigorous composition and vigorous brushwork; his portraits of women are either exquisitely colored or simple yet elegant. Among his surviving works, "The Solitary Duck Amidst Setting Sun" displays meticulous technique and fluid lines; "The Court Musicians of Meng Shu" showcases detailed ink and color work with lifelike precision; and "The Autumn Wind and Silk Fan" presents accurate depictions with unique charm.
Tang Bohu (1470-1523), styled Bohu, was also known as the "Lithai of Jiangnan," a renowned figure of literary charm. Born into a merchant family in Wuxian County, Jiangsu (now Suzhou), he was a prodigious 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 1498 (the 11th year of the Hongzhi era), Tang Bohu won the prestigious title of "Jieyuan" in the Nanjing regional examinations. The following year, he was imprisoned due to a bribery case in the imperial examinations. From then on, he devoted himself to poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting, remaining unemployed throughout his life. Later, he embraced Buddhism and took the name "Liu Ru Jushi."
This art album features a selection of Tang Bohu's surviving paintings, each accompanied by information such as the work's title, description, date, medium, dimensions, technique, collector, and influence index, making it a treasured resource. The album is beautifully designed, with exquisite text, and the introductory section "Approaching Chinese Painting" provides readers with knowledge about the painting, appreciation, and collection of Chinese art, as well as guidance on using the book.