By Li Xinyi
Compiled and reported. In 1949, political division led to upheaval in a transformative era, yet the development of calligraphy and painting in Taiwan over the past nearly hundred years absorbed the essence of mainland art and culture that crossed the strait to develop in Taiwan. As a result, the leadership in post-war Taiwanese art circles gradually shifted from the native veteran painters of the Japanese colonial period to this group of mainland émigré artists, exerting an extremely significant influence on the development of Taiwan’s art history. Zhu Longbi was personally involved in and witnessed the evolution of this chapter in art history.
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Zhu Longbi’s calligraphy work: a central scroll in clerical script titled “Stone Gate Ode.” (Image provided by the National Museum of History)
Mr. Zhu Longbi (1907–1975) joined the “Xiling Painting Society” in its second year of establishment (around 1926), becoming a member alongside renowned artists such as Fu Juanfu, Wang Zhanru, and Gao Yihong. He was also among the first-generation members of the “Ten Calligraphers Society” and was primarily active in major art events through the “Ten Calligraphers Society” and the “Ren Yin Painting Society.” He also interacted as an artistic friend with members of the “Seven Friends Painting Society” of the time, regularly participating in various literary gatherings, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, and other events.
The art community often highlights Zhu Longbi’s calligraphy and guqin skills, but the fact that he named his residence at the Changhua Police Bureau dormitory “Liufengzhai” shows his passion for “poetry, ci poetry, calligraphy, painting, guqin, and martial arts with swords.” He even dabbled in seal carving. Zhu Longbi’s calligraphy features refined and steady brushwork, exuding a vigorous and profound style. His landscape paintings are predominantly intricate and finely detailed, though he also produced works with simple strokes and open compositions. The art world widely acknowledges his equal mastery in both calligraphy and painting.
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A precious original painting draft: “Snow Accumulated in a Secluded Mountain.” (Image provided by the National Museum of History)
The National Museum of History has curated key chapters in Taiwan’s art history. Following exhibitions such as the Centennial Memorial Exhibition for Liu Yantao and the 50th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition of the Seven Friends Painting Society, it specially organized the “Zhu Longbi 105th Birthday Calligraphy and Painting Memorial Exhibition” in the centennial year of the Republic of China, allowing the public to rediscover the styles and characteristics of that era.
National Museum of History website: www.nmh.gov.tw