Events of the Twelve Months Wu Pin (fl. 1591-1643)Ming Dynasty Wu Pin (style name Wen-chung) was a native of P’u-t’ien. He was noted for his painting and calligraphy. His eccentric depictions of Buddhist figures established a new course in painting. In this handscroll, each of the monthly events associated with the lunar calendar are portrayed. They are, starting from the first month; 1) Yüan-hsiao Festival, 2) Silkworm Market, 3) Rope-swing in Spring, 4) Bathing the Buddha, 5) Dragon Boat Festival, 6) End of Summer, 7) Ghost Festival, 8) Mid-Autumn Festival, 9) Ascending the Heights, 10) Reviewing the Troops, 11) Driving out Pestilence, and 12) Appreciating the Snow. The brushwork, use of ink, and coloring are particularly strong and clear. Although Wu is painting in the tradition of Wen Cheng-ming (1470-1559), he has been able to create a uniquely archaic style which modern art historians have termed “transformational.”
Events of the Twelve MonthsWu Pin (fl.1573-1619)Ming Dynasty Wu Pin (style name; Wen-chung) was a native of Pu-t’ien who lived during the Wan-li period (1573-1619). He was noted for both his painting and calligraphy. In figure painting he departed from tradition and set his own course. His plain-line (pai-miao) technique was considered particularly beautiful. In landscape compositions, as in figure painting, he established a new eccentricity. This handscroll repesents the enjoyments of each of the twelve months. The brushwork, use of ink, and coloring are strong and clear. Although Wu Pin was in the tradition of literati painting, he was able to transform his brushwork and create his own style exuding the fantastic. The leaves shown are as follows; The Ghost Festival-the 15th day of the 7th month; Enjoying the Moonlight on the Midautumn Festival-the 15th day of the 8th month; Ascending the Heights-the 9th day of the 9th month; Reviewing the Troops; Driving out Pests; and Enjoying the Snow.