Xuanhe Painting Catalog

The Northern Qi Latter Ruler Visiting Jinyang Map, 6

Dong and Zhan referring to Dong Bo’ren and Zhan Ziqian, whose name was Boren, were men of Runan. They were famous in their hometown for their talents and skills. They were called "Seas of Wisdom." He reached the rank of Minister of the Court of Imperial Insignia and General of the Palace. He was particularly skilled at painting. Although he did not follow his predecessors, he did not fall short of the worthies who came before him. Scholars of virtue and reputation were awestruck when they saw his work. However, living on the plains, he lacked the benefit of rivers and mountains, and being neighbors with warriors, he lacked the decorum of the central court’s official regalia. This was not due to a lack of ability, but rather the influence of the local climate and customs. Boren was as famous as Zhan Ziqian at that time. However, in the refinement of his compositions, Dong surpassed Zhan, and in the depiction of horses and carriages, Zhan excelled over Dong. In this regard, the relationship between Dong and Zhan is much like that of Li Li Bai and Du Du Fu among poets. Zhan created the Daoist Scripture Transformation Map.