The other Kang Youwei : calligrapher, art activist and aesthetic reformer in modern China / Aida Yuen Wong

Includes bibliographical references and index

Calligraphy theory, national strengthening, and Gongyang philosophy -- Kang-ti: "calligraphy not seen in a thousand years" -- East-west synthesis I: discourse on Gailiang -- East-west synthesis II: disjunctive portraiture as a modern aesthetic -- East-west synthesis III: Song revivalism and its 'Japan factor.'

This book is the first in-depth study of the art historical importance of Kang Youwei (1858-1927). The most prominent constitutional monarchist who served as advisor to Emperor Guangxu, he is discussed in previous scholarship largely as a political figure. Less well known are his achievements in calligraphy and calligraphy theory (he wrote the most comprehensive and widely-read guide to the Stele School in his day), and in his efforts to make art a powerful instrument for national transformation. He advocated East-West synthesis, more specifically, the adoption of Renaissance plasticity and Song Dynasty verisimilitude. His impact on East-West syncretism (including Japanese art) in portraiture, horse painting, and bird-and-flower painting, was extensive, long-lasting, and controversial. Besides providing an objective assessment of Kang's legacy, this book offers a rare integrated study of Chinese calligraphy, painting, and art theory of the twentieth century

Text in English with some Chinese in main text, endnotes, and bibliography, also with Chinese parallel text in glossary