The _Bas-reliefs_ of the second Han dynasty belong to the second and third centuries of the Christian era. _Ku K'ai-chih_, also called _Chang-k'ang_ and _Hu-tou_, was born in Wu-hsi in the province of Kiang-su. He lived at the end of the fourth and beginning of the fifth century. His style, resembling that of the Han period, informs us as to the character of painting from the second to the fifth century. It is such as to indicate a long antecedent period of cultivation and development. _Hsieh Ho_ (479-502), painter of the figure. He wrote a small book setting forth the Six Canons or Requirements of painting. This work informs us regarding the philosophy of art in China of the fifth century. II. THE INTERVENTION OF BUDDHISM It is difficult to set an exact date for the first contact of Buddhist with Chinese art. It may be assumed that the influence of Buddhist art began to be felt noticeably in China in the fifth century. In the seventh and eighth centuries it was so widespread as to be definitely established. III. THE T'ANG DYNASTY A.D. 618-905 _Wu Tao-tzŭ_, also called _Wu Tao-yüan_. Born in Honan toward the end of the eighth century. His influence was felt in Japanese art as well as in that of China. He painted landscape, figures and Buddhist subjects. _Li Ssŭ-hsün_ (651-715 or 720) is considered as the founder of the Northern School. He appears to have felt the influence which Buddhist art brought in its train. _Li Chao-tao_, son of Li Ssŭ-hsün, lived at the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth centuries. He is said to have varied from his father's style and even surpassed it. _Wang Wei_, also called _Wang Mo-k'i_ (699-759), poet, painter and critic. The great reformer of Chinese landscape painting. Considered as the founder of the Southern School and the originator of monochrome painting in Chinese ink. _Han Kan_, renowned in the period _t'ien-pao_ (742-759). According to tradition he was a pupil of Wang Wei. His school possessed in the highest degree knowledge of the form, characteristics and movements of the horse. IV. THE SUNG DYNASTY A.D. 960-1260 _Tung Yüan._ Tenth century. Landscape painter. He worked in both the Northern and Southern styles. _Chü Jan_, Buddhist monk. Tenth century. He was at first influenced by the work of Tung Yüan, but later created an individual style. _Ma Yüan._ End of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth century. Member of the Academy of Painting. He was the author of a strong and vigorous style which characterized the school founded by him. _Hsia Kuei_ served in the college at Han-Lin in the reign of the Emperor Ning Tsung (1195-1224). He was considered a master of chiaroscuro and atmospheric perspective.