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Qi Baishi was a Chinese painter, noted for the whimsical, often playful style of his works. Born to a peasant family from Xiangtan, Hunan, Qi taught himself to paint, sparked by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden. After he turned 40, he traveled, visiting various scenic spots in China. After 1917 he settled in Beijing. Some of Qi's major influences include the early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren (八大山人) and the Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei (徐渭).
The subjects of his paintings include almost everything, commonly animals, scenery, figures, toys, vegetables, and so on. He theorized that "paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness, much like today's vulgarians, but not like to cheat popular people". In his later years, many of his works depict mice, shrimp or birds. He was also good at seal carving and called himself "the rich man of three hundred stone seals" (三百石印富翁). In 1953, he was elected president of the China Artists Association (中國美術家協會).
Qi Baishi was a Chinese painter, noted for the whimsical, often playful style of his works. Born to a peasant family from Xiangtan, Hunan, Qi taught himself to paint, sparked by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden. After he turned 40, he traveled, visiting various scenic spots in China. After 1917 he settled in Beijing. Some of Qi's major influences include the early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren (八大山人) and the Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei (徐渭).
The subjects of his paintings include almost everything, commonly animals, scenery, figures, toys, vegetables, and so on. He theorized that "paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness, much like today's vulgarians, but not like to cheat popular people". In his later years, many of his works depict mice, shrimp or birds. He was also good at seal carving and called himself "the rich man of three hundred stone seals" (三百石印富翁). In 1953, he was elected president of the China Artists Association (中國美術家協會).
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Wang Duo was a Chinese calligrapher, painter, and poet during the Ming dynasty, renowned for his artistic versatility and the cultural depth of his work. Born in Mengjin, Henan province, Wang Duo left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of China, bridging the late Ming and early Qing dynasties with his creative expression.
His works, such as a mountain landscape dated 1651, showcase his mastery of ink on paper, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and skilled craftsmanship of the Qing dynasty period. Another remarkable piece, a free copy of Xu Jiaozhi’s calligraphy dating back to 1635, is a testament to his prowess in calligraphic arts, executed on a hanging scroll with ink on satin. Additionally, his lettering on gold-flecked paper, a medium that added a luminous quality to his work, is preserved as an album leaf, evidencing the fusion of literary and visual arts during the late Ming to early Qing dynasty.
For collectors, auctioneers, and experts in art and antiques, Wang Duo’s works not only represent a significant cultural heritage but also offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese history through art. His legacy is encapsulated in the intricate strokes of his calligraphy and the serene landscapes of his paintings, many of which are held in prestigious institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art. To stay informed on updates related to Wang Duo and similar artists, sign up for our newsletter and enrich your collection with the essence of Chinese art history.
