Ink Symphony - Xu Wei (Color Illustration Version, Copperplate Paper Printing)

Author: Editorial Committee of "The Art Treasury of Influence"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: A classroom for cultivating artistic literacy among teenagers, a key discipline in the journey of artistic life, a ( means "readers for nationwide art popularization"), and an intimate encounter with masters. The "Influence Art Treasury" series, meticulously planned and compiled by Tangmao Book Industry, is divided into two volumes: Red Volume (Chinese Classical Painting) and Blue Volume (Western Classical Painting). Currently, the published books (painting section) have reached 40 types. The series selects the most influential masterpieces from Chinese and Western classical painting, supplemented by valuable information such as the author, creation date, artwork description, material and technique, dimensions, collector, influence index, and related legends. In terms of image processing and binding design, bold innovations have been made to achieve a perfect unity of content and form. Like other art forms, painting reflects the author's thoughts, emotions, and aesthetic consciousness, as well as the reflection of the era and life. This series of books will guide readers to appreciate painting art, experience the essence and profound heritage of Chinese and Western cultures, and enhance their personal taste and cultural refinement. Xu Wei, also known as Xu Wenlang, was born into an official family, but his father died when he was only 100 days old, and his mother passed away during his youth. Xu Wei was exceptionally intelligent from a young age; by the age of 8, he could compose eight-legged essays, and at 20, he passed the county-level examination to become a shengcai (a candidate for the imperial examinations). At 21, he married into the Pan family. Later, after his wife Pan passed away, he married a stepmother, Zhang. Soon after, due to conflicts among his subordinates, Xu Wei became mentally strained and, in a fit of madness, accidentally killed his wife. He was arrested and imprisoned for seven years. From the age of 37 to 52, over 15 years, Xu Wei's life fluctuated dramatically, from being a subordinate official to a prisoner, and his thoughts also underwent significant changes. These experiences left indelible marks on his soul, which were strongly reflected in his paintings and calligraphy, becoming one of the most important factors in forming his unique style. At Xu Wei's time, ink and wash painting of flowers reached its peak, and later artists found it nearly impossible to surpass his achievement, earning him the title of "the ultimate masterpiece of ink and wash painting." Xu Wei's representative works include "Miscellaneous Flowers Scroll" and "Ink Grape Scroll."