The enigmatic Chinese monk-painter Xugu (1823–1896); with his daring brush techniques and implicit expression of spiritual insight; stands out among notable innovators in the late Qing period. Despite the political upheaval and cultural decay of his day; he tapped the creative spring of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to develop a highly personal and modern visual language within the calligraphic idiom of traditional scholars' art. His portraits and landscapes; along with his depictions of flowers; fruits; and animals; convey quiet elegance; sensitivity; ethereality – and at times humor – even as they surprise with their unconventionality and tendency toward abstraction. This monograph; illustrated in full color; examines seventeen paintings and one rare work of calligraphy by this extraordinary artist in the context of his life and stylistic development. The inclusion of a portrait by two of his close associates provides perspective on the enduring impact of Xugu's vital breakthroughs on the burgeoning art center of nineteenth-century Shanghai and beyond.
#862810 in Books 2007-02-28 2007-02-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .60 x 6.00l; .85 #File Name: 0824831233232 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. this is a wonderful book. It has many references that can be ...By Murray EilandFor people with historical interests; this is a wonderful book. It has many references that can be mined for years!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. great book well done.By sookiegreat book leads directly into my research as well. i cant say enuff about this book but its a must have.;we need more like this that delve alittle deeper into certain subjects that are barley contained in this book but lo and behold they are there...theres another book or two on here that have some good stuff in them as well...bottom line my teacher told me straight out...seek what the the old masters sought.sometimes the truth is right in front of you.....now if we could get ron roy to do a book that guy...man.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Solid Research Overturn Modern Accepted Myths and Legends.By Timothy J. LoganWhen one wishes to master the history of a country; it is often best to turn to scholars who reside outside the country in question. In-country historians are frequently captive to national myths; political pressure; and historical blindness. Examples would include Japanese scholar's treatment of the war in China; Texas school textbooks in which the word “workers†has replaced slaves; and the idea of any measured history of China taught or studied within that country is on the face of it impossible.Thus it is with this remarkable study of Japan’s Monastic Warriors written by a “gaijin†who has studied in Japan and returned to source materials rather than myths to produce an informative and somewhat revolutionary view of the Sohei period of Japan.Prior to the publication of this book; Japanese authors were overwhelmed by 16th 17th century views of a development that began in the 10th Century. By returning to original source material the author separates predominant myths and popular legends; so widely accepted in Japan by both the public and scholars; from the intriguing and fundamental taxation and land ownership revolution which swept away the old Imperial System and eventually led to the era of warring states centuries later.As a student of Japanese I found this monograph wonderful; illuminating; and a great read.
