Kun Can
1612 - ca.1672
Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Kun Can (髡残, 1612— ca.1672) was a Buddhist monk painter in the late Ming and Qing dynasties, known as one of the Four Great Monks in the early Qing dynasty.


He was born in Wuling, which is present-day Chang De in Hunan province. His father passed away when he was little, and at the age of 20, he entered the monastic life, adopting the Dharma name Kun Can. During this time, he developed friendships with numerous renowned literati who remained loyal to the declining Ming dynasty. They frequently held artistic gatherings in the monasteries where Kun Can resided.


In his 30s, he joined the Ming resistance forces and fought against the Qing army. When the resistance failed, he retreated and hid in the montains, enduring a great deal of hardship. Throughout his lifetime, he traveled extensively, moving from one monastery to another, dedicating himself to the study of Buddhism and the appreciation of the natural beauty.


Kun Can's landscape paintings are forceful and free. He employed bold lines to outline contours and employed various brush techniques to create serene and elegant scenery. His artistic style was profoundly influenced by the Four Great Masters of the Yuan Dynasty, as well as prominent artists from the Ming dynasty, including Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, and Dong Qichang.


Paintings by Kun Can
Related artists -
Hong Ren Shi Tao Zhu Da