Original Brush Painting - Poetry of the Soul

Brush painting is considered by many to be the greatest of Chinese arts. It has a spirit and technique unlike any other style. The Chinese artist is concerned with more than recording a picture. He or she must be a part of the painting process itself. As an apprentice, the artist must master the four treasures - ink, paper, brush and ink slab, because the brushes, rice paper' canvas' and silk scroll are all living components.

The ideal of traditional brush painting is to capture the essence of the subject rather than recreate it. A mountain, tree or bird might be suggested by a few broad brushstrokes, while the tiny figure of a man crossing a bridge is shown in exquisite detail. The history of brush painting reflects the distinct tradition of China's 5000 years.

- by Frank Jang, Asian art and furniture historian and importer

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