Painter wu daozi biography

In Chinese history, three people are revered as sages: the calligrapher Wang Xizhi of the West Jin Dynasty (265-316), the poet Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the painter Wu Daozi, also of the Tang Dynasty.

Wu's most prolific period was during the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras (713-755) in the Tang Dynasty. Born in Yangzhai (Yu County in HenanProvince), Wu lost both his parents at a young age and lived a hard life in his early years. He learned how to make a living from folk artists and sculptors. Because Wu studied hard and was talented in art, he earned himself a good reputation as a painter by the time he was 20 years old. Emperor Xuanzong invited Wu as an imperial painter in the court, naming him Daoxuan. As an imperial painter, Wu only painted at the emperor's request, which was a big restriction for a civilian painter. On the other hand, the court provided the best living conditions and was an outlet for artistic creativity.

Wu's character was unrestrained, direct and indifferent to trivial matters, and it is known he always drank while painting. It is also sa

Wu Daozi (c.686 – c. 760 ce)

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Wu Daozi (<span style='letter-spacing:-.3pt’>c. 686–c.760 cewas a prominent painter active in the heyday of the Tang dynasty. A native of Yangdi (modern-day Yuzhou, Henan Province), he was also known as Wu Daoxuan and has been honored as the “Sage of Painting.” Orphaned in early childhood, Wu had to make his own living by painting. He was gifted and hardworking, and became quite accomplished in art in his teens. Later, he travelled to Luoyang, where he studied calligraphy under He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu before concentrating on painting again. In the Kaiyuan era, he was recruited by Emperor Xuanzong as a court painter and later appointed as an advisor to the Prince of Ning. During the Tianbao era, Wu was sent to travel around Sichuan for inspiration; after returning to the capital, he encapsulated the breathtaking landscapes along the Jialing River for 150 miles into a mural on the walls of an imperial hall. Wu painted animals, portraits, and figures, especially mythical, Daoist, and Buddhist f

WU DAOZI



“Wu Daozi, Tang Dynasty’s “Sage Of Painting”, Revolutionised Chinese Art With His Dynamic Brushwork And Expressive Style, Influencing Generations Of Artists.”


BY MEEKAR - 19 AUGUST 2024

“A Reflection On How China’s Artistic Heritage Continues To Inspire And Shape Contemporary Art, Blending Tradition With Modern Global Themes.”






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“A Reflection On How China’s Artistic Heritage Continues To Inspire And Shape Contemporary Art, Blending Tradition With Modern Global Themes.”




Wu Daozi, often referred to as the "Sage of Painting", is one of the most celebrated and influential painters in Chinese history. He lived during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), a period often regarded as the golden age of Chinese culture. His work set a benchmark for generations of artists that followed.

Wu Daozi’s impact on Chinese art is immeasurable. His innovative techniques, expressive style, and spiritual depth transformed the landscape of Chinese painting, influencing countless artists and shaping t

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