Qibai Shi. Flowers and Birds

Author: Qi Baishi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: "A Selection of Masterpieces from Modern Chinese Artists · Qi Baishi: Birds and Flowers" is published and distributed by the People's Fine Arts Press.
Qi Baishi (1863-1957) was a distinguished modern painter, calligrapher, and seal carver. His original name was Qi Hong, and he was also known as Chunzhi, with the courtesy name Weiqing. He used the pseudonyms Baishi, Bisheng, Azhi, Jianshan Yin Guan Zhu, Jiping Laoren, and others. He was from Xiangtan, Hunan. At the age of twelve, he learned carpentry and later became a wood carver, also practicing painting. He also studied poetry, calligraphy, and seal carving. Initially, he worked as a painter, creating portraits for locals. After settling in Beijing at the age of sixty, he made a living by selling paintings and carving seals. He highly admired predecessors such as Xu Wei, Zhu Da, Shi Tao, and Wu Changshuo, emphasizing innovation and continuous evolution, creating a unique and distinctive style. His works radiate a love for life. His seals are robust and powerful, his calligraphy bold and steady, and his poetry and art theory also show exceptional insight. He served as a member of the presidium of the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles and as the president of the Chinese Artists Association. In 1953, the Central Cultural Ministry awarded him the title of "People's Artist." Qi Baishi's shrimp paintings are lifelike and full of charm. A master of both brush and ink, Qi Baishi skillfully used ink and brushstrokes to depict the structure and texture of shrimp, while his stone-like brushwork brought life to the shrimp's antennae and claws. His monochrome structures were rich in meaning and demonstrated exceptional technique.