Qi BaiShi

Qi Baishi (1864–1957), originally named Qi Chunzhi, courtesy name Weiqing, was a native of Xiangtan, Hunan Province. He also used the pseudonyms Baishi Shanren and Jiping Laoren. Born into a farming family, he was physically weak from childhood, but diligently studied calligraphy, painting, poetry, and seal carving. As a young man, he worked as a carpenter, acquiring strong hands and carving skills, an experience that profoundly influenced his later seal carving and brushwork. In adulthood, he turned to painting for a living. From the age of 42, his style gradually shifted from meticulous brushwork to freehand style, boldly using contrasts of crimson and deep black ink, gradually forming a unique style of his own.

Qi Baishi's art blends the essence of literati painting with elements of folk art. His subjects cover landscapes, flowers and birds, insects, fish and shrimp, fruits and vegetables, and everyday objects. In his later years, he was particularly skilled at depicting vivid subjects such as shrimp, crabs, and frogs, and his brushwork formed a unique style. He emphasized that "the beauty of painting lies in the balance between resemblance and non-resemblance; too much resemblance is vulgar, and too little is deceitful." His works are both natural and genuine, yet full of elegance and human touch, combining folk simplicity with literati refinement.

In terms of painting style, Qi Baishi's early works were characterized by fresh and neat brushstrokes, while his middle works gradually became more vigorous and grand. In his later years, his skills reached perfection, with simple yet grand compositions. He was adept at combining bold, large-scale flowers with delicate insects, presenting a harmonious and complementary effect. He created an artistic realm that was both elegant and popular, close to life, and full of innovation, making him one of the most influential painters in 20th-century China. He was as famous as Zhang Daqian, and the two were known as "Zhang in the South and Qi in the North".