Wen Tongmo Bamboo Painting Research

Wentong,as one of the representatives with the greatest achievements in scholar bamboo paintings,had the perfect capability in writing poetry,books as well as in painting,which rendered him a great person in scholar bamboo paintings both in practice and theory.In an approach combining comparative shape study with literature review,the present research,with Wentong's bamboo paintings as the case study,has the following findings.First,the comparative analysis of comprehensive physical shapes,physical textures and bamboo painting styles shows that Wentong's bamboo paintings emphasize the physical shapes of objects but not confining itself to the details of physical shapes.He tries his best to bring into full play the performance of pen and ink as well as emotions,by emphasizing bamboo's physical traits in a perfect union of calligraphy and painting.Second,through the theoretical expounding of "observing changes of bamboos","bamboos in mind" and“identity and bamboos",this study puts forward the theoretical framework for bamboo paintings' first-phase preparations,creations and expressions,emphasising the aesthetic state of creation of the harmony between subject and object.Third.The unity of Tao(Daoist philosophy)and art is pursued,emphasising the aesthetic function of paintings in eliciting emotions,and through bamboo paintings,the inner knowledge of the society and life is expressed to the extent that the state of leisure and carefree as well as the union of art and Tao as unified whole is achieved.The fourth,the idea of "conflict between appearance and spirit" is raised,emphasizing the expression of the spirit by appearance on the basis of grasping the physical features.This can represent the vigor and charm of the nature and is the enrichment and development of traditional graphic theory.The fifth,Wentong's chief contribution lies in the creation of Huzhou Bamboo School,which causes the rise of Meishang Bamboo School,enhancing the formation and development of scholar paintings and finally becoming the pioneer of Chinese scholar paintings.The sixth,this paper analyses in great details the origin,development and evoluation as well as styles of Huzhou Bamboo School and Meishang School,making a breakthrough in the limitation of roughly classifying bamboo schools into Huzhou School.This crorrects the biased idea concerning the inheritance and development of Huzhou School.Seventh,this subject's analysis of the artistic achievement,painting thoughts and development of Wentong's painting may have guiding role both in painting creation and teaching practice.