Yan Bowen

CHINA, Shandong, Dezhou; Song dynasty

Yan Bowen, also known as Chiyue, was a famous poet, calligrapher, and painter. In 1111, he became an Imperial Scholar after passing the imperial examination and served as an assistant editorial officer. He was renowned for his poetry and paintings throughout the capital city of Kaifeng in Henan. In addition, his calligraphy was considered rich with distinguished features. Yan’s paintings featured many themes, but focused primarily on figurative depictions with an emphasis on appearance and spirit, showing detailed and individual characteristics. His floral and landscape paintings, skillfully drawn in ink, were also unique.
Two of Yan’s well-known paintings are Sixteen Arhats and Plum Blossoms. The layout of Sixteen Arhats followed Li Gonglin’s style, seeking variation within unity, and displaying each figure’s unique features and expressions, conveying their thoughts and emotions. Among his 20 works that were documented in References on Painting Matters are Arhats Listening to the Dharma, Snowy Peaks, Leisurely Clouds Emerging from the Mountain Peaks, and Long Bank with Sparse Willows.