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Wang Wei

Type Figure Region China Time 699–761 Also known as Wang Mojie、Poet Buddha

Wang Wei (699–761), courtesy name Mojie, was a renowned Tang poet, painter, and musician, known as the 'Poet Buddha' and paired with Meng Haoran as '…

Timeline

  1. 721–740Wangchuan (Lantian) · ShaanxiWang Wei passed the jinshi examination in the ninth year of Kaiyuan and served in posts including Right Reminder. He later retired to his Wangchuan estate, exchanging poems with friends such as Pei Di, producing a large body of landscape and pastoral verse while studying painting and music, forming an ethereal, Chan-inflected artistic style.
  2. 756–761Chang'an · ShaanxiWang Wei was captured during the An Lushan Rebellion and forced to take office under the usurper. Though pardoned after the rebellion was quelled, his official career remained troubled. In his later years he rose to Vice Minister of Works, was known as 'Vice Minister Wang', and his poetry and painting matured; he died in Chang'an.

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