Zhang Ugly Painting And Calligraphy Connoisseur With Study

This dissertation is an in-depth investigation of the personal life, collection, writings and theories of Zhang Chou, a well-known Ming Dynasty connoisseur of Chinese painting and calligraphy.Born into a wealthy literati family, Zhang was exposed to the arts early in his life and connoisseurship came naturally, especially given his family's history of collecting and renowned art collection. Additionally, the city where Zhang resided, Suzhou, was a prosperous city in the lower Yangzi region, rich in political, economic and cultural activities.Despite his family background, Zhang Chou took collecting art to a whole new level. Seemingly addicted to his pursuit of art, the main purpose of Zhang's travels and the circles he kept were all centered around the viewing, research and collecting of Chinese painting and calligraphy. His expertise was developed, in part, through extensive up-close examination of original works in well-known collections, and at the same time, these experiences became the basis for many of his writings on the subject.Zhang's personal collection of Chinese paintings and calligraphy came from many resources—such as family inheritance, gifts, exchange with other collectors, and purchases from galleries and friends. His collection included several famous works and reflected his personal taste, as well as the social trends and aesthetics at the time. All in all, his collection can be seen as the epitome of collecting activities in the Suzhou area during the late Ming Dynasty.Zhang Chou has written several books relating to his theories of connoisseurship in Chinese art. In addition, he has compiled many catalogues of Chinese painting and calligraphy, most of which detailed his collection or collections he was exposed to or encountered during his lifetime. These writings, including the Qinghe Shuhua Fang, Qinghe Miqie Shuhua Biao, Nanyang Fashu Biao, Nanyang Minghua Biao, Fashu Minghua Jianwen Biao, and Zhenji Rilu, reflected his profound...