Gong Xian (Exquisite Works of Ancient Chinese Masters)

Author: Gong Xian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: Gong Xian was a renowned Chinese artist of ancient times, celebrated for his mastery in poetry, calligraphy, and painting—hence the title "Three Perfections." He also left behind works such as Painting Secrets (Huade) and Sketches for Teaching Students to Paint, demonstrating his expertise in both painting theory and education. Despite the era he lived in, the art world saw the emergence of many outstanding figures: the "Four Wangs and Wu Xun" as part of the Qing Six Masters, the "Four Monks" representing the amateur school, as well as Xiao Yuncong and Mei Qushan from Anhui, and Cheng Zhengkui and Zhang Dafeng from Nanjing. Yet, Gong Xian's legacy remains undiminished. He stood out in the art world with his extraordinary black face, emerging boldly from the minimalist and dry-brush texture style that was popular during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. This might well be the self-proclaimed "No predecessors, no successors" he once claimed!