Clear text Zeng Ming Cursive Calligraphy Thousand Characters

Author: Wang Ziqiang
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Publisher: Xiling Press
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
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Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) was a distinguished painter of the Ming Dynasty. His name was Bi, styled Zhengming, later used his style name, changed his character to Zhengzhong, and styled himself as Xiqishan, Tingyunsheng, etc. He was from Changzhou (now Suzhou, Jiangsu). He was appointed as a court painter in the Hanlin Academy, hence the title "Wen Dazhao." He was intelligent and erudite, renowned for his poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting. He learned painting from Shen Zhou, incorporating the styles of Li Tang, Wu Zhonggui, Zhao Meng, and Huang Gongwang. He excelled in painting landscapes, figures, and flowers. His style was meticulous and elegant, with sharp brushwork, unique charm, and unparalleled artistic spirit. His sons and disciples were also skilled in painting and calligraphy, forming the "Wumen School." He also wrote about Shen Zhou, Tang Yin, Qiu Ying, and their famous scenic spots, collectively known as the "Four Masters of the Ming Dynasty." The characteristics of his paintings are rough yet refined: the bold brushwork reflects Shen Zhou's warm and simple style, while the fine brushwork draws inspiration from Wang Meng, capturing its profound and lush composition with an elegant charm. He excelled at creating serene and elegant atmospheres with fine brushwork and could also express vast and vigorous scenes with bold and unrestrained brushwork. His techniques in painting figures and ink and wash flowers were skillful, with a graceful style. He often used the "ice-white" technique for orchids, with detached leaves and flowers, showcasing natural beauty. His calligraphy was also diverse and highly accomplished, with characters that were spacious and harmonious, embodying gentleness, elegance, and strength. He was also skilled in carving seals, creating elegant and refined works that were clear and spirited. His paintings include "Spring Trees After Rain," "Shadow and Green Pavilion," "West Mountain of Dongting Lake," "Green Shadows and Clear Conversations," "Green Shadows and Grass Pavilions," "Pine Gorge and Flying Spring," "Shi Lake Poetry," "Losing Bamboo," "Jiangnan Spring Scene," "Ancient Trees and Cold Spring," "Secluded Village with Zhong Kui," "Pine Sound and a Bed," "Good Rain and Listening to Spring," "Orchids and Bamboo," "Pear Blossoms and White Swallows," "Poetry Thoughts by a Water Pavilion," and "Imitating Wang Meng's Landscape." His collected works include "Puyun Collection."