Chinese
Calligraphy and Chinese Brush (Sumi-e) Painting are arts that
have been alive in China for more than 5000 years. The
only tool used is the brush, which is an extremely versatile instrument.
The ink, made from pine soot, and the colors, made from minerals and
other natural pigments, are composed of binders which, when applied
to “rice” paper
or silk, become water-proof, allowing for layers to be built up. It
also allows for a wet mounting process and the addition of silk or paper
borders, applied in the traditional Chinese manner.
It could be said that Chinese painting is the art of the “idea” of the subject, rarely an exact representation. The subjects of painting are flowers, birds, insects and fish, trees and bamboo, landscapes and the human figure. Most subject matter has a symbolic meaning. Traditionally various styles of Chinese painting include Gong-bi or “fine line” style which is extremely elaborate and realistic, with several layers of paint blending seamlessly into the next. Xieh-yi, “all in one breath” style uses quick strokes that convey the subject in a more free and immediate way.
The art of Chinese calligraphy is perhaps the equivalent of Western “abstract” art. With 5 basic script styles of each individual character, there is a great range for personal expression in the way that the characters are rendered with ink and brush.
The philosophies of Taoism, Confucius, and Buddhism have also become a part of both painting and calligraphy.
It could be said that Chinese painting is the art of the “idea” of the subject, rarely an exact representation. The subjects of painting are flowers, birds, insects and fish, trees and bamboo, landscapes and the human figure. Most subject matter has a symbolic meaning. Traditionally various styles of Chinese painting include Gong-bi or “fine line” style which is extremely elaborate and realistic, with several layers of paint blending seamlessly into the next. Xieh-yi, “all in one breath” style uses quick strokes that convey the subject in a more free and immediate way.
The art of Chinese calligraphy is perhaps the equivalent of Western “abstract” art. With 5 basic script styles of each individual character, there is a great range for personal expression in the way that the characters are rendered with ink and brush.
The philosophies of Taoism, Confucius, and Buddhism have also become a part of both painting and calligraphy.
© Mountain
Earth Studio 2006