Xigang Fine Art Album

Author: (Qing) Qi Gang (painter)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Qi Gang (1746–1803), originally named Gang, styled Tie-sheng, also styled Chun-zhang, styled Luo-kang, alias He-zhuo-sheng, Meng-quan Wai-shi, Meng-dao-shi, Qi-dao-shi, Ye-die-zi, San-mu Jushi, was a commoner from Qiantang (now Hangzhou). He was a disciple of the painter Hua Yan and excelled in painting landscapes and flowers and birds, renowned during his time. At the age of nine, he practiced clerical script, and as he grew older, he mastered all four calligraphic scripts, with his regular script closely following Chu Suiliang. His poetry and lyrics were outstanding, and his painting was particularly exceptional. His landscape painting emphasized a natural and unrestrained style. His floral paintings possessed the artistic charm of Yun Shouping. His orchids and bamboos were also highly unconventional. With a free and upright temperament, he refused to paint for those who sought him out at high-ranking positions unless they were truly worthy. He specialized in seal carving, following the styles of Qin and Han dynasties, and was renowned alongside Ding Jing, Huang Yi, and Zhuang Ren as the "Four Greats of Xiling." He was also part of the "Eight Greats of Xiling," alongside Chen Yuzhong, Chen Hongshou, Zhao Zhichun, and Qian Song. He was skilled in calligraphy and painting. His landscape style belonged to the Loudong School, incorporating the brushwork of the Wumen School, combining rigor with freedom, and showing some originality. He was also capable of painting flowers, orchids, and bamboos. He was a relatively important painter after the "Four Wangs" and an outstanding seal carver of the Zhe School. He passed away at the age of fifty-eight. His collected works include "Remnants of Winter Flower Studio."