Wang Wei
(699-759) and also known by other names such as Wang Youcheng, was a Tang Dynasty Chinese poet, musician, painter, and statesman. Wang Wei's father was a local government official, and his mother was from a distinguished literary family.
Although Wang Wei's poetry speaks of the Buddhist and Taoist ideals of retreat and life amidst nature, he served most of his life at the Tang court. Through his work, he gained wealth, and donated generously to Buddhist monasteries. Like many government officials, he created a large country estate, to which he returned whenever possible.
His wife died when he was still a young man. In 750, after a full career at the court, and following the death of his mother, Wang Wei retired to meditate and write and paint.
In the late 750's, Wang Wei was captured by rebels of the An Lushan uprising -- and he joined their rebellion. When Imperial control was restored, Wang Wei was briefly imprisoned for his collaboration, but he was officially rehabilitated and returned to government service until his death in 761.
Although Wang Wei's poetry speaks of the Buddhist and Taoist ideals of retreat and life amidst nature, he served most of his life at the Tang court. Through his work, he gained wealth, and donated generously to Buddhist monasteries. Like many government officials, he created a large country estate, to which he returned whenever possible.
His wife died when he was still a young man. In 750, after a full career at the court, and following the death of his mother, Wang Wei retired to meditate and write and paint.
In the late 750's, Wang Wei was captured by rebels of the An Lushan uprising -- and he joined their rebellion. When Imperial control was restored, Wang Wei was briefly imprisoned for his collaboration, but he was officially rehabilitated and returned to government service until his death in 761.