CHINESE CULTURE
Chinese Ink Painting written by Luzhe Wang
Abstract
Chinese painting, also known as "guohua," originated during the Han Dynasty and has developed over thousands of years into a unique and rich art form. It mainly refers to scroll paintings done on silk, xuan paper, or brocade using a brush dipped in water, ink, and color, then mounted. Its main subjects include landscape painting, flower-and-bird painting, and figure painting, with techniques categorized into gongbi (meticulous style) and xieyi (freehand style). Chinese painting emphasizes the importance of conveying the spirit or essence of the subject, with artists often expressing their emotions through plants, flowers, and trees. Over centuries of development, Chinese painting has integrated Western techniques and concepts while retaining its traditional essence, reflecting the ancient worldview on nature, society, and related political, philosophical, religious, moral, and artistic dimensions.
Historical Origin
The origins of ancient Chinese painting can be traced back to the primitive society, first appearing in the painted pottery and rock paintings of the Neolithic period. Early paintings used simple lines and geometric patterns to depict human and animal figures. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Chinese painting techniques gradually developed and were applied to jade ornamentation, often reflecting observations and expressions of nature. Ancient literati incorporated calligraphy into their paintings to pursue artistic ambiance and cultural connotations. In the Tang and Song dynasties, painting primarily featured court and Buddhist subjects, focusing on delineating forms and using ink shading to depict images. During the Song Dynasty, painting styles gradually leaned towards freehand techniques, emphasizing artistic ambiance and freedom of expression. Through a series of transformations, Yuan Dynasty painting featured flower-and-bird and figure subjects, Ming Dynasty painting emphasized landscape painting, while the Qing Dynasty developed a unique artistic style focusing on brush and ink rhythm and expression of ambiance.
Techniques and Tools
Xieyi: A painting technique that uses concise and abstract brushstrokes to depict objects. It pursues ambiance rather than detail and often carries the artist's emotions.
Gongbi: A painting technique characterized by fine and detailed brushwork to vividly present objects.
Brush: The Chinese brush comes in various types based on the material and shape of the bristles. The bristle length categorizes brushes into long, medium, and short. Long-bristle brushes are soft, elastic, hold a lot of ink, and are suitable for continuous painting without interruption, often used in xieyi painting. Short-bristle brushes are harder, less elastic, and hold less ink, suitable for delicate details and precise strokes, common in gongbi painting. Medium-bristle brushes balance the qualities of long and short bristles, providing stable and versatile strokes used in both gongbi and xieyi styles. Common brush materials include wolf hair, goat hair, and mixed hair, each suited for different techniques and effects.
Ink: Chinese painting typically uses ink blocks made from materials like soot and animal glue. These are categorized into oil soot ink and pine soot ink based on the production method, with oil soot ink being darker and finer, while pine soot ink is lighter and more water-resistant.
Paper: Xuan paper is the most commonly used paper in Chinese painting, made primarily from the blue sandalwood tree and known for its excellent absorbency and durability. It is divided into raw xuan (untreated, highly absorbent, suitable for ink diffusion) and processed xuan (treated with alum and glue, less absorbent). Other special papers, such as bark paper made from mulberry or paper mulberry fibers, are occasionally used.
Inkstone: The inkstone is used for grinding ink and holding ink. Famous types include Duan inkstone from Guangdong and She inkstone from Anhui, each valued for its texture, durability, and natural patterns. Proper care ensures longevity and effectiveness.
Pigment: Chinese painting pigments are categorized into mineral pigments, plant pigments, and chemical pigments, each offering different characteristics in terms of purity, durability, and versatility.
Subject Matter
Figures: Figure painting began flourishing during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, with Gu Kaizhi (see Representative Figures) laying the foundation with his "Nymph of the Luo River." The style matured during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, featuring religious and court themes, and later evolved during the Song Dynasty with more humanistic themes. By the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, literati paintings incorporated more diverse and expressive subjects. Artists often use line-drawing, coloring, gongbi, or xieyi to portray figures, with themes typically drawn from history, religion, and mythology.
Landscape: Landscape painting, which depicts natural scenery, began emerging during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, reaching its peak in the Five Dynasties and Song periods. Artists like Jing Hao, Guan Tong, Fan Kuan, and Guo Xi developed its techniques and theories. Yuan, Ming, and Qing artists emphasized personal expression, with Huang Gongwang, Ni Zan, Wang Meng, and Wu Zhen leading the development of freehand ink techniques.
Flower, Bird, Fish, and Insect: Before the Wei and Jin Dynasties, flowers and birds were primarily used as decorative patterns on pottery and bronze ware. By the Wei and Jin Dynasties, independent flower and bird paintings began to emerge, developing into a popular genre by the Tang Dynasty. The subjects often symbolize virtues like purity, freedom, and life's beauty, with common themes including plum blossoms, orchids, peacocks, cranes, and fish.
Representative Figures
Gu Kaizhi (c. 344–406), an Eastern Jin Dynasty painter, calligrapher, and poet, is regarded as one of the founders of Chinese painting. He is best known for his figure paintings and for emphasizing the portrayal of subjects' spiritual essence, encapsulated in his theory of "conveying spirit through form." His famous works include "The Nymph of the Luo River" and "Admonitions of the Instructress."
Qi Baishi (1864–1957), a modern Chinese painter, calligrapher, and seal carver, was known for his distinctive painting style, especially his depictions of shrimp. His work combines traditional Chinese brush techniques with a lively and expressive personal touch.
Xu Beihong (1895–1953), a modern Chinese painter and art educator, is celebrated for his mastery of both Chinese and Western painting techniques. He is famous for his dynamic horse paintings, particularly "Galloping Horse."
Cultural Significance and Modern Development
Chinese painting, as one of the traditional art forms, carries rich cultural connotations and values. Through its depiction of nature, figures, history, and mythology, it reflects ancient Chinese understandings of nature, humanity, and the universe. Chinese painting's pursuit of ambiance transcends the material world, evoking deep resonance and contemplation in viewers. In modern times, Chinese painting has embraced more diverse themes, incorporating history and social issues, while also experimenting with new materials and tools. The integration of Western influences has broadened its expressive possibilities, allowing it to continue thriving and earning recognition on the international stage.
References:
Chinese Painting (china-embassy.gov.cn)
All you need to know about Chinese Traditional Painting (europeanguanxi.com)
