Chinese Imperial Court Painting Academy's Art of Painting - A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Painting Art

Author: Zhang Shuheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Yangzhou, anciently known as Guangling, is situated at the strategic confluence of the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers and at the mouth where the Grand Canal meets the Yangtze. It has long been a vital hub in southeastern China. During the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, although Yangzhou suffered heavy destruction due to its resistance against the Qing forces, by the mid-Qing period, it once again flourished, with highly developed commercial and economic activity, thriving industries, and a rich cultural scene, becoming a major economic and cultural center in the nation. The prosperity of Yangzhou's economy and culture in the 18th century was primarily due to the thriving salt trade. At that time, Yangzhou was the center of the salt trade in Jiangnan, with the office of the Salt Administration Commissioner for the Two Huai Provinces located here. Salt merchants from all over the country gathered here for the convenience of trade and distribution. This book introduces the titles and ranks of painters in the Qing imperial painting academy, the management system of the academy, the art of imperial court painting during the Kangxi reign, the art of imperial court painting during the Yongzheng reign, and the art of imperial court painting during the Qianlong reign.