Beijing Art Academy's Collection of Fine Works by Qi Baishi

Author: Chen Lusheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: April 1, 2004
Features: Qi Baishi (1864–1957), a native of Xiangtan, Hunan Province. Originally named Chunzhi, he styled himself Weiqing and later changed his name to Hong, styled himself Pingsheng, and used the pseudonyms Baishi, Jieshan Guanzhuren, Baishi Shanshen, Jiping Laoren, etc. In his early years, he worked as a wood carver and later studied poetry, seal carving, calligraphy, and painting under local scholars Chen Shaofan and Hu Qingyuan. He then made a living by selling paintings and carving seals. After the age of 40, he traveled to various places five times. He held positions such as professor at the Beijing National Art College, honorary professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, honorary president of the Beijing Art Institute, and president of the China Artists Association. In 1953, he was awarded the title of "Outstanding Chinese Artist" by the Ministry of Culture, and in 1955, he received the International Peace Award from the World Peace Council. On the occasion of his 100th birthday in 1963, he was widely recognized as a "World Cultural Figure." A poet, his poetry follows Fan Zengxiang, expressing sincerity with the charm of ancient folk songs. A renowned painter, calligrapher, and seal carver of China in the 20th century. He published works such as Qi Baishi Paintings Collection, Qi Baishi Works Collection, Baishi Poetry, Baishi Seal Carving, Selected Works of Qi Baishi, and Qi Baishi Works Collection.
The 32-page "small book" inherits the advantages of the 8-page version, featuring authenticity, refinement, novelty, and completeness. Authenticity: all works are donated to the state by the family after Qi Baishi's passing. Refinement: most are works Qi Baishi considered satisfactory and refused to sell, which he kept for himself. Novelty: over 95% are newly revealed works. Completeness: it includes all subjects Qi Baishi painted, as well as poetry drafts, manuscripts, travel writings, and unfinished works. The 8-page version was nominated for the "National Book Award" and won the gold medal for the "Fifth National Book Design Award."
The 32-page version is divided into:
- Character Volume
- Landscape & Miscellaneous Volume
- Insects & Flowers Volume (3 volumes)
- Flowers Volume (2 volumes)
- Vegetables & Fruits Volume (2 volumes)
- Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum & Pine Volume
- Birds Volume (2 volumes)
- Aquatic Life Volume (2 volumes)
Each volume has 64 pages, fully color-printed, priced at 19.5 yuan. The complete set is priced at 312 yuan, with an additional cover and a bonus book titled Random Notes on Painting, containing 8 essays and illustrations. The volumes are categorized to meet the needs of different readers, particularly aligning with the classification methods of the Chinese painting community. Painters specializing in a particular subject can purchase a single volume. Within each volume, works are arranged chronologically by creation date. Works without a clear date or those not originally authenticated by the "Qi Baishi Memorial Hall" are inserted based on stylistic dating by the editors. Each work is annotated with its title, dimensions, and creation date, omitting the relevant bibliographic information found in the 8-page version. For research purposes, readers seeking detailed bibliographic data should refer to the 8-page version.
The 32-page version maintains the original high-quality printing and binding, serving as a popular edition that is both accessible for appreciation and affordable for the general reader.