Research On Reclusive Style In Late Ming And Early Qing Dynasty

The word "Hermit" has a long historical origin since it emerged. There are many stories about hermits in early period, such as Chao Fu, Xu You in the three sovereigns and five emperors period; Bo Yi, Shu Qi of Shang and Zhou dynasties. All these stories tell us why and how it comes. Hermit belongs to our unique culture, from this emerges a group of reclusive scholars. These scholars stimulate the development of the recluse culture in many areas. First appeared in the literature field, then gradually affected the areas of painting. With the promoting of many reclusive painters, a brand new style emerged---reclusive style.In the period of late Ming and early Qing dynasties, reclusive style has its feature. To avoid the invasion of foreign rulers, the Han literati have to escape to the mountains. Painters, who were frustrated on career, express hermit thoughts and national integrity through their artistic works. The revival of Zen Buddhism, Lao Tze’s and Zhuang Tze’s Philophies provided a condition of good thoughts and theoretical support for reclusive style in Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasty.With Subjective and objective conditions, painters have more opportunities to get close to nature. They draw from nature make the artistic works more vivid and full of life. Dawn of capitalist economies makes the reclusive artists could not live without commodity support. The reclusive style occasionally revealed in the art business. Hong Ren, Gong Xian, Dai Benxiao, Zhu Da, Mei Qing and Shi Tao are all outstanding representatives of the reclusive painters of this period. On the basis of tradition, they dare to challenge ancient rules and try hard for innovation. Their artistic works fully expressed artists’ real thoughts and created a new artistic style.Hermit of the late Ming and early Qing painting greatly influenced not only in that particular era, but also had a profound impact on later generations. The most directly influence is to bring about different schools of painting, such as represented by Hong ren "Xin’an Art School", represented by Gong Xian "Jin Ling Art School", represented by Mei Qing "Xuan Cheng Art School" and so on."Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou", which appear in Middle of the Qing dynasty, is under the influence of reclusive style. The spirit of seclusion gradually becoming commercial under the tendency. In modern times by a group of artists such as Huang Binhong, Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi were all effected by Late Ming and Early Qing dynasty reclusive style. It can be described as a far-reaching painting style.