Tang Bohu (1470-1523) was one of the Ming Dynasty’s most celebrated painters and literary figures. Known as one of the “Four Masters of the Ming,” his artistic achievements and literary prowess secured his place in history. Yet, Tang Bohu’s life was not merely one of talent and success — it was marked by significant challenges and personal tragedies that shaped his journey.
Honing his craft through perseverance
Tang Bohu’s artistic journey began under the tutelage of a teacher who had a passion for painting peonies. Intrigued and eager to learn, he requested lessons, and his teacher agreed. However, his impatience for quick success hindered his progress after just two or three months.
One day, Tang Bohu watched in awe as his teacher completed a painting titled Butterflies Playing with Peonies. The vibrant butterflies seemed to dance gracefully among the lush peonies, creating a scene of exquisite beauty. Tang Bohu, inspired but puzzled, asked: “Teacher, how can I paint peonies as beautifully as you?” His teacher replied with a cryptic smile: “The answer lies in the back garden. Go and see for yourself.”
Rushing to the garden, Tang Bohu scoured the area, but found nothing unusual beyond a few blooming peonies. After pondering, he realized his teacher’s intent: He needed to observe and sketch the flowers directly from nature. From that day on, he spent hours each day in the back garden, meticulously studying and painting peonies. For three years, this practice honed his skills and deepened his understanding of his craft.
Finally, Tang Bohu presented his own version of Butterflies Playing with Peonies to his teacher. Though it was a significant improvement, the teacher was still able to point out its flaws: “Your leaves have dew drops, which suggest it’s morning, but your petals are wilting, as if it’s noon. The timing in your painting is inconsistent. This shows your technique still needs refinement.” Realizing the depth of his teacher’s observation, Tang Bohu returned to the garden, determined to study how peonies changed throughout the day. His respect for his teacher grew, and his diligence led him to become one of the most renowned painters of his time.
Tragedies that shaped his path
Tang Bohu’s early life seemed promising. At 16, he passed the scholar examination, and by 19, he was married to his wife, Xu. Their life was one of relative comfort and happiness. However, fate dealt him a series of devastating blows. His father suffered a sudden stroke and passed away, followed closely by the death of his grief-stricken mother. Soon after, news arrived of his sister’s death, and his wife Xu died from postpartum fever, with their newborn child following just three days later. These successive tragedies left Tang Bohu in deep despair.
Fortunately, the unwavering support of his friends, particularly fellow artist Wen Zhengming, helped him find strength. Gradually, he picked up his poetry and brushes, channeling his pain into creative pursuits. His determination paid off when, at 29, he achieved first place in the provincial examination, earning him the title of “Top Scholar Tang Bohu.”
A scholar’s rise and fall
Buoyed by his academic success, Tang Bohu’s confidence soared. At 30, he traveled to the capital to participate in the imperial examination. On the journey, he befriended Xu Jing, a wealthy man from Jiangyin. The two quickly became close, but Xu’s cunning would later lead to Tang Bohu’s downfall. Xu bribed an official to obtain the examination questions without Tang Bohu’s knowledge and persuaded him to write the essays in advance. The scheme was uncovered, and both men were imprisoned. Though Tang Bohu was eventually released, the scandal ended his chances of a government career.
After this incident, Tang Bohu’s life took another hit when his second wife, He, left him. Despite these setbacks, he continued to paint and write, drawing upon his experiences to create works of profound depth and emotion.
Navigating a turbulent later life
At 45, Tang Bohu received an invitation from Prince Ning of Jiangxi, who sought talented individuals to join his court. Seeing this as an opportunity to escape obscurity, he traveled to Nanchang. Initially, the prince’s warm reception gave him hope, but he soon discovered the prince’s rebellious intentions. Realizing the danger, he cleverly feigned madness, convincing the prince to let him return home. His instincts proved correct when the prince later led a failed rebellion.
The experience left Tang Bohu shaken, and his health began to decline. Turning to Buddhism, he adopted the name “Layman Liuru” and found solace in spiritual practices. Financial struggles persisted, but he found joy in his daughter’s marriage to the son of calligrapher Wang Chong, a union that brought him comfort in his final years. He passed away in 1523 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and resilience.
Conclusion
Through his artistry and writings, Tang Bohu captured both the beauty and hardship of life. His story is one of immense talent tempered by perseverance and the ability to find meaning despite adversity. His legacy endures not only in his works but in the indomitable spirit he embodied.
Translated by Joseph Wu
