The period of the 魏晋 ( , 220-420) Dynasties marks a crucial turning point in the history of Chinese art. This era of political fragmentation following the fall of the 汉朝 ( ) saw the birth of major innovations in calligraphy, painting, and Buddhist spirituality, laying the foundations for classical Chinese art.
Chronology of the Wei and Jin Dynasties
- 220: Beginning of the 三国 ( ) - Three Kingdoms, advent of the 魏 ( ) Kingdom in the North. Death of 曹操 ( )
- 221: Foundation of the 蜀 ( ) Kingdom in the West
- 222: Establishment of the 吴 ( ) Kingdom in the Southeast
- 265: Beginning of the 西晋 ( ) Dynasty - The Sima family restores imperial unity
- 310: Great Migration of Chinese elites to the South
- 317: Beginning of the 东晋 ( ) - North/South Division: nomadic peoples in the North, Chinese aristocracy in the South
- 353: Foundation of the Buddhist sanctuary of 敦煌 ( ), future jewel of religious art

The Journey
Wall painting (36 × 120 cm) illustrating the travels of the aristocracy

Servant Presenting a Dish
Detail of wall painting (17 × 17 cm) showing daily life
Masters of Wei-Jin Art
This revolutionary period saw the emergence of creative geniuses who durably transformed Chinese arts:
Legendary Calligraphers
- 王羲之 ( ): "Sage of Calligraphy," creator of the semi-cursive style
- 钟繇 ( ): Pioneer of regular calligraphy 楷书
- 卫烁 ( ): Female calligrapher nicknamed 卫夫人 (Lady Wei)
Founding Painters
- 顾恺之 ( ): Master of the spiritual portrait "以形写神"
- 曹不兴 ( ): Pioneer of Buddhist painting
- 陆机 ( ): Theorist of "文赋" on artistic expression
Cultural Revolution
The collapse of the Han order provoked an unprecedented intellectual ferment:
- Emergence of philosophical Taoism 玄学 ( )
- Massive development of Buddhist art via the Silk Road
- Birth of art criticism with the 六法 ( ) - Six principles of painting
The legacy of the Wei-Jin continues in classical Chinese painting and the contemporary practice of calligraphy.