Gu Kaizhi was a celebrated painter of ancient China. He served as a government оfficer when he was young. He was known as a most gifted and devoted person. Gu Kazhi was a wise and humorous man. The Book of Jin says that he was "a funny man". He was once an advisor to Heng Wen.
Background
He was born into an official family in Jinling. He visited many beautiful places. Born with a humorous nature, he was also proficient in writing poetry and essays. Anecdotes about him abound in Chinese art history. Gu Kaizhi lost his mother shortly after he was born. His father held on official post but resigned to spend his time on literature, as he was resentful of corruption in the government.
Career
Gu Kaizhi became a famous painter at the age of 20. The greatest contribution that Gu Kaizhi made to the development of Chinese art is his theory of life-likeness. According to historical records, he did not complete the eyes in the portraits that he painted for many years as he believed that spirit, charm and life are all shown in the eyes. Gu's art is known today through copies of several silk handscroll paintings attributed to him. Some of the major works are in the hands of foreign museums.