Zhao Mengfu paintings were among the first after the collapse of the Song dynasty and its academy of painting to show an interest derived from subjects and styles of ancient masters. Zhao is popularly remembered as a painter of horses in the manner of the Tang dynasty (618–907) master Han Gan, but he also painted other animal groups, landscapes, and bamboos. Referring to the antique, he generally avoided superficial beauty by utilizing deliberately simplified color and compositions and a schematic, even childlike, rendering of forms and scale. His works often display a great variety of brushwork.

Zhao Mengfu paintings

The Giant panda seems as elusive in art as it has been in nature. In early Chinese Art, bears not Panda bears were carved into jade. However, the mountains where the pandas live have been well represented in Chinese paintings.

The traditional Chinese landscapes known as "shan-shui", or mountains/water is one of the most enduring subjects of Chinese Art. Bamboo, the main diet of the Panda bear, has also been a main subject of artists throughout time. The artists now include the Panda bear in their paintings. Paintings of Giant pandas appeared only recently in Chinese art due to the excitement pandas generated among Westerners in this century. Like the inspirational quality of some earlier Chinese paintings the images of Giant Pandas in paintings may serve to educate and inspire others to value one of China's National Treasurers.

Panda - Chinese Painting

Chinese artists do not usually paint real places but imaginary, idealized landscapes. Chinese painting in general is seen as an extension of calligraphy and uses the same brushstrokes. The colours are restrained and subtle and the paintings are usually created in ink on paper, with a small amount of watercolor.

Mountains and water - Chinese Painting

Pheasants belong to the Phasianidae. They have colorful and gorgeous feathers, and they are one of the rare species particularly in China. Pheasant is also called “Jin Ji”, which sounds like "gold and auspiciousness" in Chinese pronunciation, so it has very auspicious meanings in Chinese paintings.

In Chinese Pheasant Painting, the combination with characters Magnolia symbolizes "Treasures fill the home".

Pheasant - Chinese Painting

Mandarin ducks were called birds of love in ancient China. Paired mandarin ducks are as close as body and shadow. They fly together, swim together and sleep with their necks crossed. They pair for life. The bird will remain single if his or her mate dies. Because of this, mandarin ducks have become symbols of marital fidelity in Chinese paintings.

People usually present paintings of a pair of lovely mandarin ducks sporting in water to a newly married couple by way of wishing them perfect conjugal bliss. In Asian Decor Mandarin Ducks bring “feng shui” love. Chinese mandarin ducks painting intensifies good fortune and brings recognition luck and respect.

Mandarin Dark - Chinese Painting

Grape is one of the very common traditional auspicious patterns, which representing that the more children, the more blessings. Chinese grape painting symbolizes fruitful, feast, is a very auspicious symbol, suitable for hanging in bedroom, den or living room. Painting with a big bunch of grapes implies that the owner of the painting will profit a lot with a small amount of capital invested. It is also used as a metaphor for a healthy family relationship as grapes are firmly attached, plump and bright. The artworks we recommend on Artisoo.com are mostly painted by famous painters and calligraphers in China.

Grapes - Chinese Painting

In China, peach is the wish for longevity. And it is regarded as a magic fruit and offered as a birthday present to the elders. Chinese ancient people believed that peach had the function of bringing auspiciousness and warding off evil, so peach has deep roots in the folk custom, the religion and the aesthetic standards. Images of Chinese peach paintings are supposed to attract long life and good health.

Peach - Chinese Painting

Beautiful lady, Playing music - Chinese Painting

From their costume, we can know their are ancients beauties in China. This Chinese figure painting has vividly depicted the scene when they are playing various ancient musical instruments together. From the expressions in their faces, we know that they are enjoying the joy from playing instruments. Actually, as observed from their hair style, it is possible that these beauties lives in Tang Dynasty which harbors various musics and can be regarded as the age of music. What’s more important, the standard for beauty is fat, round and plump. With fine and bright colors, this painting is pleasant to eyes. With the hand of the author, the scene has been enlivened. In front of this painting, it seems that the sound of music played by these beauties will gently come to your ears.

In addition, the author has painted several peonies under the plum flowers. Peony is known as the national flowers in China, and it is always associated with auspiciousness, abundance, wealth, nobleness, dignity and grace. By adding them to this painting, the beauty of this Chinese art has been increased.

With the author’s exquisite strokes, the birds’ feather, and every petal of these flowers are clearly visible to us and every flower has its own independent posture while the whole birds & flowers panting is in perfect harmony. Especially, the two birds are happily looking at each other. It seems that they are whispering or saying love words to each other. This kind of scene will remind us of some touching and warm moments in our daily life, and enhance your positive faith towards life. In a word, this  painting is indeed an excellent work in expressing good wishes.

Birds&Flowers - Chinese Painting

An auspicious flower, the peony is known as the flower of riches and honor and is a emblem of wealth and distinction. It symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and peace. Chinese peony paintings are hung in the home for good luck and in the office place for prosperous business. It is also regarded as an omen of good fortune. An emblem of love and affection, the peony is often a symbol of feminine beauty. The Chinese tree peony represents the season of Spring (Lotus of Summer, Chrysanthemum of Autumn, Wild Plum of Winter). The Chinese tree peony is a flower of the yang principle.

Peony(Four Screens) - Chinese Painting