Brief of Li Cheng
Luxuriant Forest among Distant Peaks 茂林远岫图, Li Cheng, Song Dynasty, Ink on silk, 45.4x141.8cm, Liaoning Provincial Museum.
As many artists, Li Cheng loved wine, and many of his artistic inspirations came from wine. It was said that all friends who wanted him to paint must first bought a table of wine, after he was drunk, he began to paint, the artwork would be regarded as a treasure by the man who got it finally.
Another story according to the record, Li Cheng seldom painted for others, but he had a very good relationship with a boss of a wine shop in Bianjing, Li Cheng often went to this store to drink, once for all day, so he drew a lot of paintings for this boss of course, even the both sides wall of this shop’s door was painted by him. Li Cheng drank all day long and finally died in a hotel at the age of 49.
Li Cheng's Painting Style
Reading Monument and The Beehive Stone 读碑窠石图, Li Cheng, Song Dynasty, 126.3x104.9cm
Influence of Li Cheng
A Solitary Temple Amid Clearing Peaks 晴峦萧寺图, Li Cheng, Song Dynasty, Ink and light color on silk. 111.76×55.88 cm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art