Painting Art of the Four Monks in the Early Qing Dynasty - 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 junction of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, 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. The city's economy and commerce were highly developed, with thriving industries and a rich cultural scene, making it one of the nation's most important economic and cultural centers. The prosperity of Yangzhou's economy and culture in the 18th century was largely attributed to the thriving salt trade. At that time, Yangzhou was the center of the salt trade in southern Jiangnan, with the office of the Salt Administration Commissioner for the Two Huai Regions (Shu) located here. Salt merchants from all over the country gathered in Yangzhou for the convenience of trade and distribution.