Renowned Ming Dynasty painter's works on display

Songjiang is displaying 16 sets of Chinese ink-wash paintings by Dong Qichang (1555-1636), a great painter and calligrapher during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Most of the exhibits are collections borrowed from Shanghai Museum.

It's a kind of home-coming for Dong because the artist was a Songjiang native.

"Songjiang was Dong's birthplace, so some of the art pieces on display are related to the district and his life stories here," said Peng Yefeng, director of Dong Qichang Art Museum.

An expert on antiques, Buddhist studies, ink painting and calligraphy, Dong, as a high-ranking official, is also a controversial figure who divides opinion to this day. He was said to control the art world through his political influence and judge painters abruptly.

However, he was still a distinguished artist. His works were described as "fresh with delicate brushwork."

His calligraphy was outstanding, featuring a distinctive plain yet powerful style. Even Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) learned and imitated Dong's calligraphy style.

The paintings in this exhibition are all his representative works during various periods, which could be regarded as milestones on Dong's artistic path.

Among them, the painting "In Deep Valley Alone" was completed during his art exploring stage when Dong traveled to Tianma Hill in Songjiang by boat. "To Imitate the Master of the Plum Blossom Temple" was also done then.

The center of the exhibition hall is the painting "the Mist and Clouds on Xishan Mountain," a brushwork Dong finished in his artistic heydays, and also a vertical-hanging piece, a rare piece of work from Dong.

Digital interactive screens have been set up that allows visitors to learn and paint freely with the master.

Date: Through December 15 (closed on Mondays)

Venue: Dong Qichang Art Museum

Address: 64 Renmin Rd S.

人民南路64号