Yangzhou Eight Painting Art - Complete Guide to Chinese Painting Art

Author: Zhang Shuheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Yangzhou, anciently known as Guangling, is strategically located at the confluence 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 a 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 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 here for the convenience of trade and distribution. The artistic works of the Eight Masters of Yangzhou had a profound influence on the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese ink wash painting. This book introduces the artistic philosophy, painting styles, and representative works of these painters.