	Illustration

AchievementClarity - the Teachers and Friends of Dong Qi Chang

Dong Qi Chang once said “The universe is the foremost teacher of painters, landscape is second and the ancients follow.” In addition, Dong encountered different teachers, friends, officials and civilians during different stages of his life. They were congenial to Dong and gave him great support. Dong’s intelligence and natural gifts enabled him to mount the loftiest peaks of art.

Dong was a calligraphy student of Mo Ru Zhong when he was young and was very friendly with his son Mo Shi Long. Dong was also inspired by the painter Gu Zheng Yi. Throughout their lives, Chen Ji Ru and Dong influenced each other in the poetry, calligraphy and painting. After becoming senior scholar (Jin Shi), Dong made friends with, and exchanged views with, Li Zhi, Yuan Zong Dao, Tao Wang Ling and Jiao Hong, amongst others, discussing literature and art. His appreciation of authentic works was inspired by the collectors Yuan Bian and Han Shi Neng.

In later years, the renowned Dong Qi Chang asked other artists to understudy for him, including Zhao Zuo, Shen Shi Chong, Yang Jiong, Ye You Nian and Chang Ying. Wang Shi Min, the “leader” of the painting circle, was highly recommended. Thus, Dong’s influence continued from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty.

Some 17 years after Dong passed away, a junior Xiang Sheng Mo used the name “eternal friend” to recall him. Lively remembrance of him still exists in the art fraternity which considers Dong as its epicentre.

Dong Qi Chang afirmou que “O universo é o maior professor de qualquer pintor, a paisagem vem em segundo lugar, e os clássicos em terceiro”. Dong estimulou professores, amigos, e funcionários durante períodos diferentes das suas vidas e, por isso, foi sempre agradavelmente acarinhado e apoiado. A sua inteligência e talento natural permitiram-lhe atingir os pícaros da criao artística.