Four Kings Wu Yun: Painting Art - Complete 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, with highly developed commercial economy, 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 largely attributed 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 Regions (Shu) located here. Salt merchants from all over the country gathered in Yangzhou for the convenience of trade and distribution. This book provides an evaluation of the lives, painting theories, styles, and works of Qing Dynasty painting artists such as Wang Shimen, Wang Jian, Wang Hui, Wang Yuanqi, as well as Wu Li and Yun Shouping.