
He lived during the Five Dynasties period, which stretched through the short period from 907 to 960. Gu Hongzhong was known among artists of his time period as one of the most masterful painters in China. Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy – Yan Liben Many copies have been made with the original copy still remaining to this day in a prominent Chinese art museum. Many art historians and critics consider this to be among the most iconic Chinense paintings ever done.

A closer look into Zeduan’s work reveals many different classes of people that include the wealthy down to the peasants involved in the bustling city in all its glory. The Spring Festival was also known during this time as the Qingming Festival and was a time of intense prayer and honoring the tombs of the ancestors. This painting was done by Zhang Zeduan sometime during the late 11th or early 12th century.įocused on a scene of what many consider to be the common, daily life of the people of the dynasty’s capital city, Bianjing, Zeduan uses great detail to depict every minute figure and natural element with a sense of individual beauty. Spring Festival on the River – Zhang ZeduanĪnother famous painting from the Song dynasty is known as Spring Festival on the River. The different levels of perspective are meant to show the vastness of the Chinese wilderness in all its grandeur. It features a giant rock face surrounded by massive boulders at the foot. The painting is thought to be a representation of the southern Shaanxi area. His work known as Travelers Among Mountains and Streams is considered his most well-known, as well as arguably one of the most famous Chinese paintings ever done. Kuan was apparently one who did so as many of his paintings are centered around majestic scenes of mountain landscapes. There are few other details that can be known about Kuan, one can draw a considerable impression of him through the many paintings that he produced during the Song Dynasty shortly after 1000 C.E.ĭuring the upheaval of the Five Dynasties period, many artists fled to the safety and seclusion of the mountains. He was known as a nature-lover who would spend long stretches of time alone in the mountains or other wilderness areas of mainland China.

Travelers Among Mountains and Streams – Fan Kuanįan Kuan epitomized everything that was revered as a true Chinese master artist. Here are 10 of the most famous Chinese paintings ever done. Some of the most reputable Chinese artists in history were regarded with high honors by the ruling dynasties of their specific time periods.Īs a style of painting that was unlike any other in the world, Chinese art is remembered today for its distinct characteristics and incredible landscapes that can be seen throughout the sprawling nation. There were artists that also utilized folding sheets and other methods, including large murals. Instead of being done on large, flat canvases, Chinese paintings were mostly created with large scrolls that were hung for display. The most popular style of Chinese painting is considered a traditional method of depicting various scenes that were often incorporated with calligraphy. Dating back thousands of years, Chinese art focused on many different areas including landscapes, animals, and other beauties that were depicted with careful detail. China is one of the most culturally unique nations on Earth and this fact is evident through the country’s storied art history.
