Yun Xiang
Bold ink landscapes founded Changzhou school
Yun Xiang(恽向) (1586–1655), originally named Benchu(本初), styled Daosheng(道生), and also known as Xiangshan(香山), was from Wujin, Changzhou, Jiangsu, and he was an important painter at the end of the Ming and the beginning of the Qing dynasty. In his early years, he followed the styles of Dong Yuan and Ju Ran, painting with a suspended-elbow, center-tip brush technique, giving his brushwork a solid and rounded strength with rich, flowing ink. In his later years, he shifted toward the simpler, more calm style of Ni Zan and Huang Gongwang, developing an artistic style that was precious with ink and naturally harmonious. As the uncle and teacher of Yun Shouping, he laid the foundation for the Changzhou school with his bold, freehand landscape ink paintings. His painting philosophy emphasized 'not sticking to colors, but expressing what’s in the heart,' valuing the natural flow of brushwork and personal expression. His representative works like "Impression of Dong and Ju" and "In the Style of Da Chi‟s Landscapes" showcase a dual realm of learning from both ancient masters and nature itself.