Gu K’ai-chih: A Pioneer of Chinese Figure Painting Gu K’ai-chih, also known as Gu Kaizhi, stands as a monumental figure in the history of Chinese art, particularly renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to figure painting during the Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420). Born in Wuxi around 344 CE, he initially honed his artistic skills in Nanjing before ascending to prominence within the imperial court. His life was one of remarkable versatility – a painter, poet, calligrapher, and even a politician, reflecting the breadth of talent valued during that era. He wasn’t merely an artist; he was…