List of Famous Chinese Painters
One of the most famous Chinese painters in history is Zhang Zeduan. He was a renowned painter during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Zhang Zeduan is particularly famous for his masterpiece painting titled "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (also known as "The Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" or "Qingming Shanghe Tu"). This scroll painting, created in the 12th century, depicts a bustling urban scene with intricate details of daily life, architecture, and various social classes. It is considered one of the greatest achievements in Chinese painting and is treasured as a cultural and historical artifact.
Other notable Chinese painters throughout history include:
Xu Beihong (1895-1953): Known for his realistic and expressive oil paintings, as well as his skill in depicting horses.
Qi Baishi (1864-1957): Renowned for his freehand brushwork and vibrant depictions of nature, animals, and still life.
Shen Zhou (1427-1509): A master of the Ming Dynasty, known for his elegant landscapes and poetic style.
Zhang Daqian (1899-1983): An influential painter and modern Chinese art innovator, skilled in traditional Chinese painting techniques.
Xu Wei (1521-1593): Known for his individualistic and expressive style, often associated with the Ming Dynasty literati painting.
These are just a few examples, and the rich history of Chinese painting spans many dynasties and artistic styles, with numerous influential painters making significant contributions to the art form.
Famous Chinese painters since Republican Period
Yu Feiyan (1904-1992): Yu Feiyan was a Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was a member of the Lingnan School of painting and contributed to the development of modern Chinese art.
Yu Youren (1879-1964): Yu Youren was a Chinese calligrapher, painter, and politician. He was known for his calligraphy skills and served as the President of the Control Yuan of the Republic of China.
Feng Zikai (1898-1975): Feng Zikai was a Chinese painter, cartoonist, and writer. He was associated with the Modernist movement and is known for his expressive and whimsical art, often depicting everyday life and scenes of children.
Wang Shikuo (1908-1990): Wang Shikuo was a Chinese ink painter who specialized in landscapes and flowers. His works often showcased a unique blend of traditional Chinese painting techniques with a touch of modern influence.
Shi Lu (1919-1982): Shi Lu was a renowned Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was considered a pioneer of the New Literati Painting movement, combining traditional Chinese ink techniques with modern artistic approaches.
Liu Kuiling (1901-1987): Liu Kuiling was a Chinese painter known for his bird-and-flower paintings. He excelled in capturing the delicate beauty of nature and is recognized for his meticulous brushwork.
Liu Haisu (1896-1994): Liu Haisu was a prominent Chinese painter, art educator, and art promoter. He played a significant role in the development of modern Chinese art and founded the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts.
Qi Baishi (1864-1957): Qi Baishi, commonly known as Qi Huang, was a highly influential Chinese painter. He was known for his freehand brushwork and often depicted nature, animals, and everyday objects in a lively and expressive style.
Guan Shanyue (1912-2000): Guan Shanyue was a renowned Chinese ink painter and art educator. He combined traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with modern concepts, and his works often focused on landscapes, flowers, and birds.
Yan Jidao (1889-1980): Yan Jidao was a Chinese painter specializing in landscapes and figure paintings. He was associated with the Shanghai School of painting and contributed to the development of modern Chinese art.
Li Keran (1907-1989): Li Keran was a renowned Chinese painter known for his landscape paintings. He was also a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and made significant contributions to modern Chinese art.
Li Shutong (1880-1942): Li Shutong, also known as Hong Yi, was a versatile artist, playwright, and Buddhist monk. He was skilled in calligraphy, painting, and poetry, and he played a significant role in promoting Chinese culture and Buddhism.
Wu Zuoren (1908-1997): Wu Zuoren was a prominent Chinese painter, educator, and art critic. He specialized in figure painting and made significant contributions to the development of modern Chinese art education.
Wu Changshuo (1844-1927): Wu Changshuo was a master calligrapher, seal carver, and painter during the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China era. He was known for his unique style that combined traditional techniques with innovation.
Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010): Wu Guanzhong was a renowned contemporary Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his integration of Western modernism with Chinese traditional painting techniques, creating a unique and vibrant style.
Wu Hufan (1894-1968): Wu Hufan was a versatile artist who excelled in painting, calligraphy, and seal carving. He was an advocate for traditional Chinese art and played an important role in preserving and promoting Chinese culture.
He Xiangning (1878-1972): He Xiangning was a Chinese painter and politician. She was one of the first female Chinese artists to gain international recognition and was actively involved in the women's rights movement and the Chinese Revolution.
Shen Yinmo (1884-1971): Shen Yinmo was a prominent Chinese painter, art educator, and art historian. He contributed to the development of modern Chinese art and was known for his research and writings on Chinese art history.
Zhang Daqian (1899-1983): Zhang Daqian, also known as Chang Dai-chien, was a highly influential Chinese painter and one of the most internationally recognized Chinese artists of the 20th century. He was known for his versatility and mastery of various painting styles.
Lu Yanshao (1909-1993): Lu Yanshao was a celebrated Chinese painter known for his landscapes, figure paintings, and bird-and-flower paintings. He combined traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with personal expression, creating unique and expressive artworks.
Chen Shaomei (1909-1954): Chen Shaomei was a Chinese artist and a member of the Lingnan School of painting. He specialized in figure painting and was known for his bold brushwork and vibrant colors.
Chen Shizeng (1876-1923): Chen Shizeng was a prominent Chinese painter, art educator, and cultural reformer. He played a significant role in promoting modern art and advocating for cultural reforms during the early 20th century.
Chen Yifei (1946-2005): Chen Yifei was a renowned Chinese painter, film director, and entrepreneur. He was known for his realistic paintings that depicted scenes of traditional Chinese life, particularly the lives of fishermen and rural communities.
Lin Fengmian (1900-1991): Lin Fengmian was a modern Chinese painter and art educator. He combined traditional Chinese painting techniques with Western artistic influences, creating a unique style that had a profound impact on Chinese art.
Lin Sanzhi (1898-1989): Lin Sanzhi was a Chinese painter known for his landscape and flower-and-bird paintings. He was associated with the Lingnan School and was known for his meticulous brushwork and attention to detail.
Zhao Puchu (1907-2000): Zhao Puchu was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and religious leader. He was the President of the Buddhist Association of China and made significant contributions to promoting Buddhism and Chinese culture.
Qian Songyan (1899-1985): Qian Songyan was a renowned Chinese painter and art educator. He specialized in landscape painting and was known for his unique style that combined traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with modern artistic influences.
Xu Beihong (1895-1953): Xu Beihong was a highly influential Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his realistic and expressive horse paintings and made significant contributions to the development of modern Chinese art.
Gao Jianfu (1879-1951): Gao Jianfu was a renowned Chinese painter and art educator. He was one of the founders of the Lingnan School of painting and was known for his landscape and figure paintings.
Gao Qifeng (1901-1998): Gao Qifeng was a Chinese painter known for his flower-and-bird paintings. He was associated with the Lingnan School and was known for his delicate brushwork and refined style.
Guo Moruo (1892-1978): Guo Moruo was a prominent Chinese writer, poet, and painter. He was also a cultural and political figure and made significant contributions to Chinese literature and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Huang Bin Hong (1904-1994): Huang Bin Hong, also known as Huang Binhong, was a renowned Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his landscape paintings and his expertise in the use of ink and brush.
Huang Zhou (1925-1997): Huang Zhou was a contemporary Chinese painter known for his abstract and expressionistic paintings. He was associated with the Yunnan School of painting and made significant contributions to the development of modern Chinese art.
Liang Qichao (1873-1929): Liang Qichao was a prominent Chinese scholar, writer, and reformist during the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China era. While not primarily known as a painter, he made contributions to the fields of literature, history, and philosophy.
Dong Xiwen (1914-1973): Dong Xiwen was a Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his historical and genre paintings, including his famous work "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China."
Jiang Zhaohe (1904-1986): Jiang Zhaohe was a renowned Chinese painter known for his figure paintings. He was associated with the Beijing Realism School and was recognized for his technical mastery and realistic portrayals.
Fu Baoshi (1904-1965): Fu Baoshi was a highly influential Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his landscape and figure paintings and was particularly skilled in the use of ink and color.
Xie Zhiliu (1910-1997): Xie Zhiliu was a prominent Chinese painter, art historian, and art educator. He was known for his meticulous and refined style and made significant contributions to the study and preservation of traditional Chinese painting.
Pu Ru (1896-1963): A renowned calligrapher, seal carver, and painter of the Qing Dynasty. He was a descendant of the royal family and was known for his elegant and poetic style.
Yan Wenliang (1889-1988): A Chinese landscape painter and art educator. He was one of the founders of the Lingnan School of painting, known for his innovative approach to incorporating Western techniques into traditional Chinese painting.
Pan Tianshou (1897-1971): A prominent modern Chinese painter, art educator, and art theorist. He was known for his meticulous style and mastery of ink wash painting.
Ding Yanyong (1902-1978): A modern Chinese painter and art educator. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting, and his works often depicted landscapes, flowers, and birds.
Ma Jin (1903-1970): A Chinese painter who specialized in landscape and bird-and-flower paintings. He was known for his bold and expressive brushwork.
Wang Xuetao (1903-1982): A renowned Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his realistic style and often depicted scenes from everyday life and rural landscapes.
Ye Qianyu (1907-1995): A Chinese cartoonist, painter, and art educator. He was one of the pioneers of Chinese cartoon art and later shifted his focus to Chinese ink wash painting.
Ye Gongchuo (1908-1985): A Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his traditional Chinese paintings, particularly landscapes and figures.
Tian Shiguang (1911-2003): A Chinese painter who excelled in bird-and-flower painting. He was known for his delicate and detailed brushwork.
Bai Xueshi (1915-2001): A renowned Chinese painter and art educator. He specialized in figure painting and was particularly skilled in capturing the beauty and elegance of women.
Feng Chaoran (1912-1988): A Chinese painter known for his landscape and bird-and-flower paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Zhu Qizhan (1892-1996): A prominent Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his innovative approach to traditional Chinese ink wash painting and his ability to capture the essence and spirit of his subjects.
Guan Liang (1900-1986): A Chinese painter known for his colorful and expressive style. He was one of the leading figures of the Shanghai School of painting.
Su Baozhen (1914-2002): A Chinese painter and art educator. He was known for his traditional Chinese landscapes, particularly scenes of mountains and rivers.
Li Kuchan (1898-1983): A prominent Chinese painter and art educator. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting and was known for his expressive brushwork.
Wu Daiqiu (1903-1992): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Sha Menghai (1900-1992): A renowned Chinese calligrapher and seal carver. He was known for his mastery of traditional Chinese calligraphy and his innovative approaches to the art form.
Song Wenzhi (1919-1999): A Chinese painter known for his landscape paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Qi Gong (1912-2005): A celebrated Chinese painter known for his bird-and-flower paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Zhang Shanzi (1899-1991): A Chinese painter known for his figure paintings, particularly portraits of women. He was influenced by Western art styles and incorporated elements of realism into his work.
Zhang Shuqi (1901-1957): A Chinese painter and art educator. He was skilled in traditional Chinese painting techniques and often depicted landscapes and figures.
Chen Banding (1897-1974): A Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Chen Zizhuang (1907-1969): A Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Zheng Xiaoxu (1888-1965): A Chinese painter, calligrapher, and art educator. He was known for his meticulous and refined style and his expertise in seal carving.
Zhao Shaoang (1905-1998): A renowned Chinese painter known for his bird-and-flower paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Lou Shibai (1907-1979): A Chinese painter known for his figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Gu Linshi (1897-1972): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Ni Tian (1918-2002): A Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Xu Shichang (1899-1980): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes, figures, and flower-and-bird paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Tang Yun (1910-1993): A Chinese painter known for his landscape and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Huang Shanshou (1910-1986): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.
Huang Junbi (1898-1991): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes, particularly his depictions of mountains and rivers. He was influenced by Western art styles and incorporated elements of impressionism into his work.
Kang Youwei (1858-1927): While not a painter, Kang Youwei was a prominent Chinese scholar, reformer, and calligrapher. He played a significant role in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period.
Zhang Shizhao (1881-1973): A Chinese calligrapher, painter, and politician. He was a prominent figure during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period.
Zhang Taiyan (1869-1936): A Chinese philosopher, calligrapher, and revolutionary. He was influential in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period.
Dong Shouping (1882-1957): A Chinese painter known for his landscapes and figure paintings. He was skilled in both traditional Chinese painting and Western-style oil painting.