Kuncan (髡殘, 1612–ca. 1673), also known as Shixi (石谿), was a native of Wuling, Hunan. At the age of 27 he took the tonsure and became a Buddhist monk, going to Nanjing and studying under Juelang Daosheng (覺浪道盛). He first lived at the Baoen Temple and then at the Youqi Temple on Niushou Mountain. The brushwork in Kuncan’s landscapes is free and natural; his scenes reveal a realm of profound depth. Along with the monk painters Zhu Da, Shitao, and Hongren, Kuncan is known as one of the “Four Monks” of the early Qing.
Autumn Trees in a Luxuriant Grove
Layered Mountains, Stacked Valleys
Mountains Washed by Rain
Wooded Mountains at Dusk