Painting in National Palace Museum, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of paintings from the Qing dynasty! This collection features works from some of China's most renowned painters, including Shen Zhenlin, Yun Shouping, Wang Hui, Wang Shih-min, Wang Yuan-chi, Wu Li and Chang Tse-tuan. You will find a variety of different styles, from Cats and Butterflies of Longevity to Activities of the Twelve Lunar Months: The Twelfth Month to After Wang Wei's "Snow Over Rivers and Mountains". There are also landscapes such as Summer Mountains and Misty Rain and Green Mountains and White Clouds. Finally, there is Along the River During the Ch'ing-ming Festival, which is based on an original by Chang Tse-tuan. We hope you enjoy exploring these incredible works of art!

1. Cats and Butterflies of Longevity

Shen Zhenlin was a painter from Wuxian who worked for the Qing court during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi reigns. He was good at painting figures and portraits, but could also sketch birds and flowers from life, as well as landscapes.

2. Activities of the Twelve Lunar Months: The Twelfth Month

This painting is one of twelve from the Qianlong reign in China (1736-1795). It shows a winter landscape with people skating on the frozen water and playing in the snow. The buildings are depicted in great detail, and the painting is done in ink and colors.

3. The Five Purities

Yun Shouping was a native of Wujin in Jiangsu. He was a gifted poet and painter, and was especially skilled in calligraphy. He originally excelled at landscape painting but later felt he could not compete with Wang Hui, one of the Four Wangs specializing in landscapes.

4. Summer Mountains and Misty Rain

Wang Hui was one of the "Four Wangs" of the early Qing dynasty. He was a talented painter and was taught by two of the other Four Wangs. Wang Hui developed his own style by blending past and present, as well as northern and southern styles.

5. After Wang Wei's "Snow Over Rivers and Mountains"

Wang Shih-min was born into a family of scholars and artists. He was introduced to the study of painting and calligraphy at a young age. He is considered one of the most important painters of his time.

6. The Peach Blossom Fishing Boat

Wang Hui was a native of Ch'ang-shu in Kiangsu who studied landscape painting as a youth under Wang Shih-min and Wang Chien. He was gifted at both northern and southern styles as well as ancient and modern ones.

7. Peonies

Yun Shou-p'ing was a native of Wu-chin, Kiangsu who grew up in a family of limited means. He devoted himself to studying and even surprised his elders at the age of eight by composing poetry.

8. Green Mountains and White Clouds

Wu Li was a native of Ch'ang-shu, Kiangsu. He and Wang Hui were both students of Wang Chien and Wang Shih-min.

9. After Wang Meng's "Mountain Dwelling on a Summer Day"

Wang Yuan-ch'i was a scholar and artist from T'ai-ts'ang, Kiangsu. He received his degree in 1670 and worked in various positions before becoming Attendant Gentleman of the Ministry of Revenue.

10. Along the River During the Ch'ing-ming Festival