Qibaishi--Illustrated Explanations of Paintings by Famous Chinese Calligraphers and Painters

Author: Qi Baishi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Looking back at the history of 20th-century Chinese art, Qi Baishi is undoubtedly one of the masters who deserve special remembrance and admiration. "Qi Baishi's composition, artistic conception, and brushwork are deeply rooted in the Chinese spirit and style. It truly represents the essence of Chinese nationality. It is national, yet not conservative" (Li Zehou, "Commemorating Qi Baishi"). Therefore, this great artist has earned eternal respect in history. To appreciate Qi Baishi's paintings, one must read his art theories; to read his art theories, one must view his paintings. Because his theories are elevated from his creations, and his creations practice his theories, the two complement each other. Understanding this, the purpose of this book's compilation is established. To help readers grasp Qi Baishi's creations and thoughts organically, the compilers carefully selected the essence of his art theories and paintings, using paintings to verify theories and theories to interpret paintings. They arranged eleven topics under three major sections—"The Creation of Paintings," "The Cultivation of Paintings," and "Categories of Paintings"—to form this book. Qi Baishi had both paintings and theories, providing ample material for selection. However, it must be acknowledged that he was not a professional theorist and had never written independent, systematic treatises on painting. His remarks, though insightful, were concise and scattered, making it objectively challenging for later scholars to match them seamlessly with illustrations. To make the connection between paintings and theories tighter for better understanding, the compilers wrote "Interpretations" after each topic, striving for brevity and clarity while placing Qi Baishi's theories within the broader context of Chinese aesthetics and painting studies. At the end is a long essay written from personal insights, serving as the "General Introduction" of the book, aiming to provide an overall perspective on Qi Baishi's artistic aesthetic thought.
To appreciate Qi Baishi's paintings, one must read his art theories; to read his art theories, one must view his paintings. Because his theories are elevated from his creations, and his creations practice his theories, the two complement each other. Understanding this, the purpose of this book's compilation is established. To help readers grasp Qi Baishi's creations and thoughts organically, the compilers carefully selected the essence of his art theories and paintings, using paintings to verify theories and theories to interpret paintings. They arranged eleven topics under three major sections—"The Creation of Paintings," "The Cultivation of Paintings," and "Categories of Paintings"—to form this book. Qi Baishi had both paintings and theories, providing ample material for selection. However, it must be acknowledged that he was not a professional theorist and had never written independent, systematic treatises on painting. His remarks, though insightful, were concise and scattered, making it objectively challenging for later scholars to match them seamlessly with illustrations. To make the connection between paintings and theories tighter for better understanding, the compilers wrote "Interpretations" after each topic, striving for brevity and clarity while placing Qi Baishi's theories within the broader context of Chinese aesthetics and painting studies. At the end is a long essay written from personal insights, serving as the "General Introduction" of the book, aiming to provide an overall perspective on Qi Baishi's artistic aesthetic thought.
This book adopts the typical form of Chinese art theory—recorded sayings—but it is not a cold accumulation of materials. Instead, it is a skillfully crafted introduction to Qi Baishi's classic art theories, condensing his entire cultural wisdom and aesthetic experience, as well as his insights into his life and artistic growth.