Admire Wumen masterpieces from Ming Dynasty

Since 2020, every summer, the He Xiangning Art Museum has hosted an exhibition showcasing classic paintings and calligraphic works by ancient masters from Loudong (modern Taicang), Jinling (modern Nanjing), and Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, and Shanghai.

Now a new exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate prestigious works by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) masters from Wumen (modern Suzhou) in Jiangsu.

Featuring 64 paintings and calligraphic works and 20 study items, “The Memories of Jiangnan — The Calligraphy, Paintings and the Refined Materials of the Wumen Literati in the Ming Dynasty” is organized by the He Xiangning Art Museum, in collaboration with Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Museum of Art, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Suzhou Museum, Anhui Museum, Jilin Provincial Museum and Suzhou Bay Museum.

Visitors admire paintings by Qiu Ying and Tang Yin at the He Xiangning Art Museum. Photos by Cao Zhen

Jiangnan, encompassing areas in modern Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, began drawing literati and artists in the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) due to its prosperous economy, rich history and culture, and picturesque landscapes. The serene waterways, lush gardens, and mist-shrouded mountains served as inspiration for many artists.

In the mid-Ming Dynasty, Suzhou became a gathering place for artists, leading to the formation of the influential Wumen School style. Visitors can admire precious paintings and calligraphic works by key figures of this school, including Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin and Qiu Ying.

Shen, who inherited the literati painting style from the Yuan Dynasty, was renowned for his concise and vigorous brushwork. Wen, a student of Shen, also influenced by Zhao Mengfu and Wang Meng, was celebrated for his meticulous and elegant brushwork.

Part of a calligraphic work by Wen Zhengming.

Shen and Wen emphasized brushwork expression, emotional colors, and subtle artistic conception, pursuing a simple, natural, tranquil, and harmonious style that laid the foundation for the Wumen School.

Tang, another student of Shen, used vigorous and delicate brushstrokes with a harmonious and elegant artistic touch. Qiu excelled in exquisite and vibrant blue-green landscapes and meticulous figure paintings.

A painting created by Tang Yin.

The exhibition is part of the He Xiangning Art Museum’s regional cultural and art research series, which includes “Home by Lou River — From Four Wangs to Modern Loudong Special Exhibition” in 2020, “Take the New Standard — Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics and Yangzhou 300 Years Painting Exhibition” in 2021, the “From Dong Qichang to Fu Baoshi” exhibition in 2022 and “The Breeze From the Sea” exhibition in 2023.

A painting created by Dong Qichang. 

Cai Xianliang, director of the He Xiangning Art Museum, said at the opening ceremony Wednesday that the previous four exhibitions reviewed culture and art in various regions in Jiangnan. The current exhibition focuses on Wumen, highlighting the brilliant masters whose carefree spirit and elegant lifestyle are also parts of their cultural legacy.

Dates: Through Nov. 3

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C