Dong Qichang's Calligraphy And Painting Zen Practice And Theoretical Research

Dong Qichang's close association with the teachings of Zen is not only reflected in his introduction of Zen into his painting, but also in his practicing calligraphy and painting as a form of Zen meditation. He incorporated Zen philosophy into his artistic methodology and aesthetic pursuit, and this formed the core of his artistry.This dissertation is divided into four chapters, to take on an in-depth discussion on the relationship between the teachings of Zen and Dong Qichang's Painting practice and theories. The first chapter gives a general account of Dong Qichang's life experience, political career, and artistic practice. The second chapter discusses the "Southern& Northern Song" and their basis in Zen philosophy. This chapter also elaborates on the meaning of "bearing Zen teachings in paintings", which is the most representative of Dong Qichang's aesthetic beliefs and has the greatest impact on generations of artists. "Southern & Northern Song" carefully studied the two contrasting styles of landscape painting in history, and were the pioneering force in bringing form in analyzing Chinese painting. The third and fourth chapters respectively elaborate on "enlightenment", "emptiness", "boundary", and "law" as four aspects of how Zen philosophy is the innate spiritual support and influence on Dong Qichang's art. "Enlightenment" is manifested in his conception and thought process, and this form the basis of his artistic practice of "bearing Zen teachings in paintings". His painting shares a great degree of similar traits with Zen "enlightenment", particularly in aspects of meaning, method and content. "Emptiness" refers to the artist's artistic characteristics and aesthetic pursuit. The emphasis on "wisdom and clarity" is embodied as "innocence" in his painting and "corner-less" in his calligraphy. "Boundary" engages in a narration of Dong Qichang's painting process and the ideal artistic world he strives to inhabit. This is typically shown as his painting with characteristics of "lightness", "without calculation", and "bearing enjoyment in painting" and the "universe and art as one". "Law" is Dong Qichang's understanding of ink and brush as well as painting technique, and this is demonstrated in his concept of "using expression of feeling and mood as law" and "detachment from form in order to achieve form".This dissertation is a study on Dong Qichang's practice of bringing Zen teaching into painting and his use of painting in interpreting Zen teachings. It combs thoroughly through the relationship between the artist's conception, practice and Zen teachings, and aims to provide a new perspective and platform for people to understand Dong Qichang's work and come to a conclusion that Zen teachings have great influence on his work.