Bada Shanren

CHINA, Jiangxi, Nanchang; Ming to Qing dynasty

Bada Shanren, whose original names were Zhu Da and Zhu Tongquan, was a monk, calligrapher, poet, and painter. He was also the descendent of prince Zhu Quan of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Heavily affected by the fall of the Ming dynasty, Bada sought refuge in Buddhism and renounced at age 23, assuming the Dharma name Chuanqi. Later, after leaving monastic life, he was thought to have become arrogant, obstinate, and deranged. He went by many different aliases, but most often signed his works with “Bada Shanren.” He did so in a stylistic arrangement similar in appearance to the Chinese characters for “laughing” and “crying,” which were perhaps evocative of his seeming mental instability. Despite such claims, he was renowned as one of the most eminent painters of his time.
Bada was adept in painting nature and learned the art of landscape painting from Dong Qichang. He used simple yet condensed brushstrokes that resulted in images that were unique and ever-changing. He often depicted birds and fish with somewhat contemptuous appearances, projecting feelings of anguish and detachment. His painting composition was succinct and peculiar, and he often left many blank spaces that formed a natural intrigue. Bada’s calligraphy was influenced by many great masters including Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing. His calligraphic pieces were simple, strong, and smooth, utilizing symbolic and implicit forms to express his feelings and inner thoughts.
Bada’s extant works include Heart Sutra, kept at Zhenjiang Museum in Jiangsu; Chuanqi Sketching Book, at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan; Poems of Zhang Shuo, at the Palace Museum in Beijing; and the painting album An Wan Tie Album, at the Sen-oku Hakuko Kan in Kyoto, Japan.