Color woodcut on Chinese xuan paper; 31.5 x 43 cm
Signed p. d. with artist's nickname: 自名(Zìmíng - the one who named himself) and
red seal 白石(Baishi - White Stone).
From the portfolio Album of Paintings of the Old Baishi Man, published by Rong Bao Zhai, Beijing 1953.
Provenance: private collection, Poland.
The peony is a symbol of wealth and abundance in Chinese culture, often called the
"queen of flowers."
Chinese painter, calligrapher and seal engraver, considered one of the most outstanding artists of the 20th century in China. Born in Xiangtan (Hunan province) to a poor family, he initially worked as a carpenter and wood carver. Self-taught, he was inspired by classical painting textbooks, the tradition of poetry and nature. Around 1917, he settled in Beijing, where his work quickly gained wide recognition.
Qi Baishi is best known for his depictions of insects, fish, birds, flowers and fruits, which he painted with remarkable simplicity and energy, giving everyday motifs the status of art. He combined the free gesture of calligraphy with expressive color, often annotating his paintings with his own poems. He used numerous nicknames, including Baishi ("White Stone"), Ziming ("the one who gave himself a name"), and Laoren ("Old Man").
His oeuvre, awarded the International Peace Prize in 1955, is today considered a symbol of 20th century Chinese art. Qi Baishi's works are in the collections of the world's most important museums, including the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, the Beijing Fine Art Academy, the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tokyo National Museum.
Chinese painter, calligrapher, and seal carver, regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century in China. Born in Xiangtan (Hunan province) to a poor family, he began his career as a carpenter and woodcarver. Largely self-taught, he was inspired by classical painting manuals, poetry, and direct observation of nature. Around 1917 he settled in Beijing, where his art soon gained wide recognition.
Qi Baishi became especially renowned for his depictions of insects, fish, birds, flowers, and fruits, painted with striking simplicity and vitality. He combined the expressive energy of calligraphy with bold color, often accompanying his works with his own poems. He used numerous sobriquets, including Baishi ("White Stone"), Ziming ("the one who named himself"), and Laoren ("the Old Man").
In 1955 he was awarded the International Peace Prize, and today his oeuvre is considered a symbol of 20th-century Chinese art. Works by Qi Baishi are held in major museum collections worldwide, including the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, the Beijing Fine Art Academy, the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Tokyo National Museum.
