Zheng Banqiao painted orchids and bamboo

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Publish Date: 1997-11-01
Features: Orchids have a fragrant scent, bamboos endure cold winters. "Orchid" and "Bamboo" have long been symbols of noble character and lofty sentiments, gradually evolving into a specialized art form with renowned masters and diverse schools. This issue focuses on the works of the famous Qing Dynasty painter Zheng Xie in the genre of "Orchid and Bamboo." Zheng Xie, styled Ke Rou, was known as Banqiao, and was born in Xinghua County, belonging to Yangzhou Prefecture. He lived from 1693 to 1765 (the 72nd year of the Qianlong reign). Throughout his life, he was passionate about poetry, lyrics, and calligraphy and painting, particularly excelling in orchid and bamboo painting. He drew inspiration from Shitao and incorporated the brushwork styles of Xu Wei, Gao Qipei, and other masters. In painting orchid leaves, he employed the vertical-long-stroke technique from cursive script, ensuring neither chaos nor sparseness, breaking free from conventional habits and achieving extraordinary elegance and vigor. His ink bamboo paintings, with branches like wind and leaves like dew, created a unique path. A close observation of Zheng Banqiao's "Orchid and Bamboo" reveals a well-defined yet natural style, a result of long-term observation and mastery of their growth patterns. "Orchid and Bamboo" is not only an art form but also a widely cherished national spirit and traditional culture. By the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, numerous orchid and bamboo manuals had been published, serving as entry points for those learning to paint these subjects. To help readers master the basic techniques of "Orchid and Bamboo," this book features lesson sketches by the renowned painter Lu Kunfeng. These sketches, drawn from his years of teaching experience and incorporating the strengths of various masters and manuals, are meticulously crafted and demonstrate exceptional charm and vitality. Accompanied by illustrations, they serve as an excellent primer for beginners. Artistry lies in originality, and each school or master has its own unique characteristics and insights. Beginners should learn to appreciate life, enrich their cultivation, and inspire their creativity, thereby capturing the essence of "Orchid and Bamboo." The Zheng Banqiao works included in this book are provided by institutions such as the Nanjing Museum, Yangzhou Museum, Zhejiang Museum, and the Department of the China Academy of Art. We express our heartfelt gratitude to these institutions.