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Dongzhuang lunhua 東莊論畫

Jul 2, 2025 © Ulrich Theobald

Dongzhuang lunhua 東莊論畫 is a book on painting written by Wang Yu 王昱 (fl. 1744), courtesy name Richu 日初, style Dongzhuang 東莊, Dongzhuang Laoren 東莊老人 or Yuncha Shanren 雲槎山人, from Taicang 太倉, Jiangsu. He was a relative to the painter Wang Yuanqi 王原祁 (1642-1715). His painting Fang Wang Meng yushan baiyun tu 仿王蒙玉山白雲圖 is preserved. Wang Yu is counted among the "Four Lesser Wangs" (Xiao Si Wang 小四王), a group of painters also including Wang Su 王愫 (mid 18th cent.), Wang Jiu 王玖 (1745-1798), and Wang Chen 王宸 (1720-1797).

Dongzhuang lunhua is a collection of miscellaneous critiques on painting theory. At the beginning of the volume, there is a preface in which the author recalls a lifelong passion for painting. He studied under Wang Yuanqi and accompanied him to the capital, often attending closely as Wang worked with his inkstone. He received much instruction from his master.

In terms of artistic orientation, the Dongzhuang lunhua fundamentally inherits the viewpoints of its author's teacher, Wang Yuanqi. Therefore, much of it can be regarded as notes and reflections on Wang Yuanqi's painting theories. Another major part of the book systematically organises the author's own painting experiences and insights, offering warnings and guidance to later students. Regarding the inheritance of techniques from ancient masterpieces, the author advocates not being bound by strict schools or lineages, but rather forming one's own unique style. Other insights and secret teachings include the start and conclusion of paintings, arrangement of large-scale works, and the use of blue-green coloring.

As a reflection of a painter's personal experience and insights, the Dongzhuang lunhua is not only comprehensive in its discussions but also deeply embodies the characteristics of the painting trends of its era. The early Qing period 清 (1644-1911) was precisely the time when Dong Qichang's 董其昌 (1555-1636) "return to antiquity" movement was put into practice with considerable success, especially epitomized by the school of the "Four Wangs" (Si Wang 四王), which includes Wang Shimin 王時敏(1592-1680), Wang Jian 王鑒 (1598-1677), Wang Hui 王翬 (1632-1717), and Wang Yuanqi. As a direct disciple of the Four Wangs, Wang Yu not only inherited the teachings of his masters but also emphasised breaking free from rigid schools, nurturing natural inspiration, and developing a unique personal style.

Moreover, since this book primarily addresses beginner painters, imparting secret techniques while cautioning against improper methods, it has been particularly valued by later generations.

The book is included in the series Cuilangganguan congshu 翠瑯玕叢書, Sitongguzhai lunhua jike 四銅鼓齋論畫集刻 and Meishu congshu 美術叢書.

Sources:
Shao Qi 邵琦. 1996. "Dongzhuang lunhua 東莊論畫." In Zhongguo xueshu mingzhu tiyao 中國學術名著提要, vol. Yishu 藝術卷, edited by Zhou Gucheng 周谷城, 842. Shanghai: Fudan daxue chubanshe.