Which Early Medieval maalari is the most famous?

First place goes to Wang Wei (#1); Dong Yuan (#2) and Zhang Xuan (#3) complete the podium.

Which five Early Medieval maalarid should everyone know?

Wang Wei (#1), Dong Yuan (#2), Zhang Xuan (#3), Yan Liben (#4) ja Wu Daozi (#5).

In which city were most Early Medieval maalarid born?

Chang'an: 3 of the maalarid in this list were born there.

Who are the most famous Early Medieval maalarid from People's Republic of China?

The highest-ranked maalarid born in People's Republic of China are Zhou Wenju (#7), Li Cheng (#8), Jing Hao (#9), Guan Xiu (#14) ja Zhao Chang (#15).

What techniques did Early Medieval maalarid use?

“This mentorship instilled in him a profound understanding of brushwork and composition—techniques that would become hallmarks of his distinctive style.” — from our biography of Zhang Xuan (#3).

Who was the earliest Early Medieval maalari?

The earliest-born maalari in this list is Emperor Yuan of Liang (#10), born in 508.

Where were most Early Medieval maalarid born?

People's Republic of China: 6 of the 17 maalarid in this list were born there, then Hiina (3) ja Han dynasty (2).

When did the famous Early Medieval maalarid live?

Most maalarid in this list were born in the 10th sajand (7 of 17), between 508 and 960 overall.

Which museums hold the most Early Medieval art?

The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Palace Museum (6), National Palace Museum (5) ja Metropolitan Museum of Art (4).

Where can I buy Early Medieval art?

Our catalogue holds 38 works by these maalarid. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.

Early Medieval maalarid, ranked

The 17 Most Famous Early Medieval Maalarid

The most famous Early Medieval maalari is Wang Wei (699–759), known for Seven and a Half Years Old ja Three and a Half Years Old. Next come Dong Yuan, Zhang Xuan, Yan Liben ja Wu Daozi. This ranking of the 17 most famous Early Medieval maalarid runs from Emperor Yuan of Liang (born 508) to Zhao Chang (born 960), across 7 countries.

By the WahooArt.com curators28 oktoober 2026

How this list is ranked. Artists whose works our catalogue files under Early Medieval, in the order of our fame ranking of artists. Artists without a Wikidata identifier born after 1955 are left out until verified. The Wikipedia figure next to each name is the number of our 32 languages in which Wikipedia has an article on the artist.

1Wang Wei
2Dong Yuan
3Zhang Xuan

The essentials

Early Medieval at a glance

17Kunstnikud
508–960Sünniaastad
7Sünnimaad
0Naised
38Meie kataloogis olevad teosed

Linnad kõige rohkem sünnilaikadega: Chang'an (3), Nanjing (2), Yongji (1), Weifang (1)
Muuseumid, kus on kõige rohkem olulisi teoseid: The Palace Museum (6), National Palace Museum (5), Metropolitan Museum of Art (4), China Modern and Contemporary Art Document Research Center (2)

Ranked, with their masterpieces

The ranking: 17 Early Medieval Maalarid and their key works

1of 17

Wang Wei 699–759

Hiinlane Born in Yongji Maastikmaal fine Wikipedia in 19/32 languages

Recognizing his potential, Wang’s father ensured he received a comprehensive education, preparing him for the grueling civil service examinations – a path pursued by nearly all aspiring officials during the Tang Dynasty. His brother Wang Jin, recognizing Wang Wei’s brilliance, actively championed his ambitions, securing him a place at court where he quickly gained renown for his musical prowess. In his final years, Wang Wei embraced Chan Buddhism wholeheartedly, dedicating himself to monastic life and pursuing enlightenment.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Wang Wei reproductions

2of 17

Dong Yuan 934–962

Born in Nanjing Wikipedia in 16/32 languages

Hiuste Hiina kunsti annalsis on vähegi nime, mis kõlabad nii autoriteetselt kui Dong Yuan. Sündinud Zhonglingis, tänapäeval Jinxiani maakonnas, ei olnud Dong Yuan pelgalt kunstnik, vaid ametnik, kelle sügav side loodedega aitas ümberdefineerida Shanshui ehk maastikupintimise olemust. Kuigi ta kogas inspiratsiooni mineviku tunnustatud meistritest, nagu Wang Wei poeetilised maastikud ja Li Sixuni struktureeritud elegants, peidus Dong Yuani genius tema võimel ulatuda lihtsalt imitatsioonist kaugemale.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Dong Yuan reproductions

3of 17

Zhang Xuan 713–755

Hiina Born in Chang'an Tang dinastiale tüüpiline maalidustus Wikipedia in 10/32 languages

Zhang Xuan’s artistic output during the Tang Dynasty cemented his place among China's most celebrated painters. Similarly, "Spring Outing of the Tang Court," meticulously recreated by Li Gonglin, exemplifies Zhang Xuan's masterful command of perspective and color, establishing him as a pioneer in landscape painting. His masterpiece, “ Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk,” remains one of the few surviving depictions of this pivotal moment in Tang court life—a testament to Huizong’s patronage and Zhang Xuan’s ability to convey both visual splendor and profound human emotion.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Zhang Xuan reproductions

4of 17

Yan Liben 600–673

Chinese Born in Chang'an Early Tang Dynasty realism Wikipedia in 13/32 languages

The Thirteen Emperors Scroll remains a profound piece of history, containing portraits that span from the Han dynasty to the Sui dynasty.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Yan Liben reproductions

5of 17

Wu Daozi 680–740

Tang dynasty Born in Chang'an Realistic techniques and landscape painting Wikipedia in 11/32 languages

His work has been featured in television presentations, such as the 2004-5 production The Presentation of Buddha.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Wu Daozi reproductions

6of 17

Huang Quan 903–965

Wikipedia in 10/32 languages

Throughout his life, Huang Quan moved through the imperial painting academies of the Former Shu, Later Shu, and Song dynasties.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Huang Quan reproductions

7of 17

Zhou Wenju 917–975

Chinese Born in Nanjing Tang Dynasty Figure Painting Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

Courtly Excellence: His role within the Southern Tang painting academy helped maintain high standards of artistic production during the Five Dynasties period.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Zhou Wenju reproductions

8of 17

Li Cheng 919–967

Chinese Born in Weifang Landscape painting Wikipedia in 11/32 languages

Li Cheng's most celebrated work, “Giant” (Zhong Tu), exemplifies his artistic innovations. The painting depicts a towering pine tree standing alone on a barren mountain peak, shrouded in mist. Artists such as Guo Xi, Fan Sang, and Dong Yuan all drew inspiration from Li Cheng’s work, further disseminating his artistic innovations throughout the art community.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Li Cheng reproductions

9of 17

Jing Hao 855–915

Born in Qinshui County Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

This rugged, monumental approach became the standard for the Northern Song period, establishing a lineage of greatness that included his pupil Guan Tong and the legendary Li Cheng.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Jing Hao reproductions

10of 17

Emperor Yuan of Liang 508–555

Liang dynasty Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

Emperor Yuan of Liang was not a visual artist; he was a ruler and a scholar. While he was a significant patron and collector of literature, he did not produce paintings or visual works himself.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Emperor Yuan of Liang reproductions

11of 17

Gu Hongzhong 937–975

Chinese Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

By focusing on the vividness of expression and the weight of personal experience, Gu Hongzhong ensured that the spirit of the Southern Tang court would never be entirely forgotten.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Gu Hongzhong reproductions

12of 17

Li Zhaodao 675–758

Tangi dinastia Born in Qin'an Qinglu Bai Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Tang-dynastia maaparid muutub Li Zhaodao harja käes täielikult. Ta eemdub Lõuna Kooli pehmetest ja vaosest läbuvatest toonidest, eelistades selle asemel rasket ja luminöösset mineraalpigmentide kasutamist. See on Qinglu Bai olemus – stiil, mida definesioneerivad selle massivsus ja valgus.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Li Zhaodao reproductions

13of 17

Han Huang 723–787

Chinese Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Han Huang was a Chinese economist and politician of the Tang dynasty. Born in 723, he served as a chancellor during the reign of the Emperor Dezong. His career was marked by significant roles, including serving as the prefect of Jin Prefecture, the prefect of Su Prefecture, and the governor of Zhejiang Circuit.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Han Huang reproductions

14of 17

Guan Xiu 832–912

Chinese Born in Lanxi Tang Dynasty Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

This tumultuous era witnessed the fragmentation of Tang imperial authority, prompting provincial courts to champion artistic traditions—a circumstance that fostered a miniature Tang court in Chengdu where Guanxiū flourished. Early Life & Education: Born in Lanxi, Zhejiang province, Guanxiū’s formative years were dedicated to monastic studies, shaping his worldview and artistic sensibilities.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Guan Xiu reproductions

15of 17

Zhao Chang 960–1016

Chinese Born in Guanghan Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Though the specific details of his daily life remain obscured by the centuries, his influence persisted through the Song dynasty.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Zhao Chang reproductions

16of 17

Huang Jucai 933–993

Chinese Born in Chengdu Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Born around 933, Huang Jucai lived through the shifting landscapes of the Later Shu and Song dynasties.

Key works · The 100 most famous works · Huang Jucai reproductions

17of 17

Zhao Gan

Chinese Jiangnan style Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

His work is characterized by a focus on material details, including: To achieve the appearance of soft, thick snowflakes on silk, the artist used a technique of blowing white pigment through a screen to lightly project it onto the surface. The composition is marked by a delicate execution with few heavy outlines, reflecting the stylistic qualities of the Jiangnan landscape.

Key works · The 100 most famous works

The paintings behind the names

Famous Early Medieval works and the artists who made them

Seven and a Half Years Old

Wang Wei

2011 · Song Art Museum, Peking
The Immortal Paradise Building in the Mountain

Dong Yuan

950 · National Palace Museum, Taipei
Court ladies preparing newly woven silk

Zhang Xuan

China Modern and Contemporary Art Document Research Center, Peking
Thirteen Emperors Scroll

Yan Liben

650 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Guanyin

Wu Daozi

1885 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Untitled

Huang Quan

The Palace Museum, Peking
In the Palace

Zhou Wenju

1133 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Giant

Li Cheng

2019 · Fubon Art Foundation Very Fun Park, Taipei

Through time

A Early Medieval timeline in masterpieces

In figures

By the numbers

Sünnemaa
People's Republic of China	6
Hiina	3
Han dynasty	2
Hani dünastia	1
Liang dynasty	1
Southern Tang	1
Song dynasty	1

Sünniaasta sajand
6th sajand	1
7th sajand	4
8th sajand	2
9th sajand	2
10th sajand	7

Muuseumid, kus asuvad nende peateosed
The Palace Museum	6
National Palace Museum	5
Metropolitan Museum of Art	4
China Modern and Contemporary Art Document Research Center	2
Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art	2
Museum of Fine Arts	2
Song Art Museum	1
Cleveland Museum of Art	1

All of them, in order

List of the 17 famous Early Medieval maalarid

1Wang WeiHiinlane · 699–759
2Dong Yuan934–962
3Zhang XuanHiina · 713–755
4Yan LibenChinese · 600–673
5Wu DaoziTang dynasty · 680–740
6Huang Quan903–965
7Zhou WenjuChinese · 917–975
8Li ChengChinese · 919–967
9Jing Hao855–915
10Emperor Yuan of LiangLiang dynasty · 508–555
11Gu HongzhongChinese · 937–975
12Li ZhaodaoTangi dinastia · 675–758
13Han HuangChinese · 723–787
14Guan XiuChinese · 832–912
15Zhao ChangChinese · 960–1016
16Huang JucaiChinese · 933–993
17Zhao GanChinese ·

Your questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

Which Early Medieval maalari is the most famous?
First place goes to Wang Wei (#1); Dong Yuan (#2) and Zhang Xuan (#3) complete the podium.
Which five Early Medieval maalarid should everyone know?
Wang Wei (#1), Dong Yuan (#2), Zhang Xuan (#3), Yan Liben (#4) ja Wu Daozi (#5).
In which city were most Early Medieval maalarid born?
Chang'an: 3 of the maalarid in this list were born there.
Who are the most famous Early Medieval maalarid from People's Republic of China?
The highest-ranked maalarid born in People's Republic of China are Zhou Wenju (#7), Li Cheng (#8), Jing Hao (#9), Guan Xiu (#14) ja Zhao Chang (#15).
What techniques did Early Medieval maalarid use?
“This mentorship instilled in him a profound understanding of brushwork and composition—techniques that would become hallmarks of his distinctive style.” — from our biography of Zhang Xuan (#3).
Who was the earliest Early Medieval maalari?
The earliest-born maalari in this list is Emperor Yuan of Liang (#10), born in 508.
Where were most Early Medieval maalarid born?
People's Republic of China: 6 of the 17 maalarid in this list were born there, then Hiina (3) ja Han dynasty (2).
When did the famous Early Medieval maalarid live?
Most maalarid in this list were born in the 10th sajand (7 of 17), between 508 and 960 overall.
Which museums hold the most Early Medieval art?
The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Palace Museum (6), National Palace Museum (5) ja Metropolitan Museum of Art (4).
Where can I buy Early Medieval art?
Our catalogue holds 38 works by these maalarid. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.