Dong Qichang exhibition now on at Shanghai Museum

One of the few surviving works by the painter Huang Gongwang (1269-1354), Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains was burnt into two pieces in 1650. Today, one piece is kept in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, while the other - The Remaining Mountain - is stored at Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou.

Dong was by far the most influential figure in the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. His artistic theories dominated the tone and principles for the following centuries, said Ling Lizhong, head of the art department of the Shanghai Museum, who is also the curator of the exhibition.

Because of Dong's great fame and enduring impact in China's art history, his art works had co-existed with forgeries during his lifetime. Many artists also went on to follow his style and principles, resulting in many paintings being mistaken as his creations. The exhibition has highlighted some details that could helped academics determine if a painting was indeed created by Dong.

Due to the fragility of the artwork, a few pieces can only be displayed for no more than 45 days before they are replaced by other works.

"If you want to experience the complete exhibition, you will have to make a total of four visits to the exhibition," said Yang, the museum director.

The exhibition will go on till March 10, 2019.