(b Chang’an [modern Xi’an], Shaanxi Province, c. AD 970; d c. 1052). Chinese painter. Originally a vendor of medicinal herbs, he initially painted landscapes to attract potential customers. After attaining fame, he ‘frequented the manorial homes of princelings and officials’, for whom he painted murals, hanging scrolls and handscrolls. He was a familiar guest of the rich and powerful in both Chang’an and the capital, Bianliang (modern Kaifeng), in Henan Province. Famous clients included Huang Tingjian’s father, Huang Shu (1018–58). Huang Tingjian later eulogized one of Xu’s paintings:I met Drunken Xu in Chang’an ... Quite tipsy, he would wield a worn brush dripping with ink, With the force of an avalanche, his hand never stopping. In a few feet, mountains and rivers would stretch over ten thousand miles, And fill the hall with a bleak and chilly air. A rustic monk returns to his temple, followed by the boy. A fisherman is hailed by the traveller waiting to ford the stream. (trans. M. F. Wilson)It seems that Xu was active in the capital around 1040. It is known that in 1042 he offended the prefect of Chang’an and took refuge in Huanzhou (now Huan xian), Gansu Province, but returned to Chang’an in 1043–4.

• Xu Daoning
  • An Qi
  • methods
    • Perspective, §III, 2: Non-linear: Origins, before the 16th century
  • works
    • Scroll, §2(i): East Asia