Collection of Zheng Banqiao

Author: Zheng Banqiao [Qing] / Ai Shuren selected
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Zheng Banqiao achieved very high achievements in art. The perfect combination of poetry, painting, and calligraphy constitutes the main artistic characteristics of Zheng Banqiao, earning him the reputation of "three excellences in poetry, painting, and calligraphy." He excelled in painting orchids, bamboos, and rocks, advocating for not adhering to ancient methods but learning from nature. His bamboo paintings were executed using the thick, long brushstrokes of cursive script, resulting in the artistic effect of "neither too dense nor too sparse, breaking free from conventional styles, and displaying extraordinary elegance and vigor." The bamboos he painted were full of vitality and embodied both form and spirit, with the principle of "intention before brushwork" and "interest beyond technique." His orchids were often wild mountain orchids, vividly capturing their natural charm with heavy ink and cursive script. His rock paintings featured vigorous brushwork, first outlining the rock's outer shape, sometimes accompanied by orchids and bamboos, creating a harmonious and unified composition. Zheng Banqiao's poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting were extraordinary and profound. His prose was simple and natural, with vivid emotions, revealing noble character. This book selects over 200 of his letters, prefaces, inscriptions, and poems related to paintings, accompanied by over 100 of his calligraphy and painting works. These works vividly express Zheng Banqiao's thoughts and style, making it a fresh and innovative collection of Banqiao's works.