The art of Ming and Qing Dynasties was experiencing an explosion. Some of the greatest artists were epitomized and a group of new Schools were emerged during this period. The enriched techniques and styles from the Song and Yuan Dynasties were used as references for the calligraphies and paintings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After studying numerous art styles of previous generations, artists of the Ming Dynasty formed different art schools according to their own choices and interests. Among them there were the Zhe School of the early Ming Dynasty which inherited the style of the academic style of the South Song Dynasty, and was deeply appreciated and loved by the Emperor – Zhang Lu was an artist of this school. There were the Wumen School that inherited the art practices of the late Yuan Dynasty – noted artists of this school were Wen Jia, Lu Zhi and Yuan Shangtong. There were even the Songjiang School which transformed the Wumen School and elevated painting to a summit---this school was led by Dong Qichang . Based on the heritage from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, these schools formed their unique styles and features.
While inheriting the traditions, artists of the Ming and Qing dynasties also withstood the tremendous pressure that came along with traditions. The pressure came from the reform of the society at the time, the demands for culture and art during the economic development as well as the inner pressure of art development itself. This was particularly evident during the late Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty on artists – such as Zhang Ruitu, Ni Yuanlu and Wang Duo, the great calligraphers of the late Ming Dynasty; Yuan Yao and the “Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou” of the mid Qing Dynasty, who were influenced by the merchants of Shanxi and Anhui; Zhao Zhiqian and Pu Hua from the Shanghai School of the late Qing Dynasty. They devoted themselves to the innovation of Chinese painting while keeping the old traditions. Chinese art, once again, was filled with vigor and vitality after its last climax during the Song and Yuan Dynasties.
Long museum has a large collection of artworks of various art schools from the Jiangnan region created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among these works, there are the classical masterpieces of the great masters, as well as the refined works of the neglected and unknown. These works not only represent the artists’ heritage of the art of calligraphy and painting from the Song and Yuan dynasties, but also emphasize the artists’ aspiration and exploration of the art careers.

Tickets Info

Ticket Price: 50RMB/person
Concessions: 50% discount for seniors over 70, teachers and college students with valid certificates;
Free Ticket: Middle school and primary school students, soldiers and person with disability.
For groups with 20 or more persons (Telephone reservation required at 86-21-68778787, This cannot be used in conjunction with other preferential terms)