Nandong: Dong Qichang
Dong Qichang (1555-1636) was a famous calligrapher and painter in the Ming Dynasty. His courtesy name is Xuanzai, his nicknames are Sibai and Siweng, and his nickname is Xiangguang. A native of Huating, Songjiang (now Songjiang, Shanghai). He has been influenced by the art of calligraphy since he was a child. From official position to Minister of Rites, Minister of Rites, etc. He advocated the use of imitation instead of creation, and compared painting with the Northern and Southern Schools of Zen Buddhism, which he called the "Northern and Southern Schools". His calligraphy widely imitates the ancients, integrates changes, and synthesizes the calligraphy styles of Jin, Tang, Song, and Yuan schools, making it a self-contained entity. Both Kangxi and Qianlong adopted Dong Shu as their patriarchal clan. Calligraphy reached Dong Qichang, which can be said to be the culmination of ancient methods. His "six styles" and "eight methods" were all mastered. At the same time, he was good at appreciating calligraphy, and he was very famous in the late Ming and Qing dynasties. His handed down works include: "Song Ci Volume", "Shu Du Lv", "Ode to the Zhongxing of the Tang Dynasty", etc. He has written books such as "Essays on Painting a Zen Room" and "Rongtai Collection".
Northern King: Wang Duo
Wang Duo (1592-1652) was an outstanding calligrapher in the Qing Dynasty. The courtesy name is Juesi, the nickname is Songqiao, and also the name is Chi'an. The other name is Yantan Yusou. A native of Mengjin (now Mengjin, Henan Province). Official to the Minister of Rites. Wang Duo was fond of antiquity and erudite, and was accomplished in poetry, calligraphy, and painting. His calligraphy, in particular, was unique and he was known as the "Wang Duo with the Magic Pen" in the world. As famous as Dong Qichang, he was known as the "King of South, Dong and North" in the late Ming Dynasty. Wang Duoxing has the highest achievements in cursive writing. His writing style is calm and full of variety, rough and bold without losing control. He not only carries forward the characteristics of Ming Dynasty cursive writing that is bold and unrestrained and expresses the soul directly, but also corrects the shortcomings of rough lines. In terms of structure, it uses strange risks to win, and the rhythm contrast is strong, creating many new composition methods. Many of his ink writings have been handed down from generation to generation, the most famous of which are "Xianshan Garden Tie" and "Langhuaguan Tie".