Xu Zizhou

Xu Zizhou (许子舟), also known as Xu Zi Zhou, was a prominent Chinese landscape painter, calligrapher, and poet active during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). Information regarding exact birth and death dates is scarce, as with many artists of that era.

Xu Zizhou is primarily recognized for his ink wash paintings of landscapes, often incorporating elements of literati painting. His style is characterized by its subtle use of ink tones and brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, often depicting misty mountains and tranquil waterways. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of nature rather than strictly adhering to realistic depictions.

Although less widely known than some other Yuan masters, Xu Zizhou's works were admired by his contemporaries and later generations of artists for their refined aesthetic and expression of Daoist principles of harmony and balance within nature. His paintings aimed to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation.

Information about his life is limited to anecdotal accounts and inscriptions found on his paintings. While precise details of his artistic training remain unclear, his works demonstrate a deep understanding of traditional Chinese painting techniques and philosophical concepts. He is considered a significant, albeit somewhat lesser-known, figure in the development of Yuan Dynasty landscape painting. His surviving works are housed in various museum collections worldwide.