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Eight Immortals the Chinese gods in Paintings

CNArtGallery — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:29:39 +0000

Each Immortal has a magic tool that can give life or destroy evils. Tieguai Li had an iron crutch and gourd, Zhang Guolao always rode the donkey back to front, Han Zhongli waved his palm-leaf fan, Lan Caihe carried his flower basket, Han Xiangzi played his flute, He Xiangu always appeared with lotus flowers, Lv Dongbin had a sword, and Cao Guojiu held a jade tablet. Their eight tools together are called "Covert Eight Immortals" or "Eight Treasures". It's also said that the Eight Immortals in Chinese paintings represent male, female, the old, the young, riches, honor, the poor, and the lowly respectively. So the Eight Immortals with their tools are one of the most popular elements in the secular Chinese culture.

It's said that, one day the Eight Immortals went to celebrate the birthday of the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens. When they prepared to cross the East Sea, one of the immortals, Lv Dongbin, proposed that they each cross the East sea using their own magic tools, instead of flying over it on a cloud. The other immortals agreed with him. Then each of them threw their own magic tools to the sea and stood on the tools. They sailed through winds and sea waves, and finally they all went together to the birthday banquet of the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens.

Eight Immortals- Chinese Painting

What are Chinese Scroll Paintings

CNArtGallery — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:22:51 +0000

Chinese Scroll mounting is a traditional mounting form to make Chinese paintings/calligraphy as scrolls that is time-honored and has distinct national characteristic. According to the surviving historical records, the scroll mounting was invented as early as 1,500 years ago. And the process and materials selection of the scroll mounting were also recorded.

Traditional Chinese painting or calligrapy is executed on Xuan paper or silk fabrics, it tends to incur worm and broken easily if stored for a long time if not well be displayed. In addition, it cannot stands damp and dry. For prolonging the Lifespan of Chinese paintings, it is very important to learn some knowledge about the protection of Chinese painting.

Peony - Mounted - Chinese Painting

Wall Paintings on Buddhist and Daoist Themes by Han Gan

CNArtGallery — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 03:52:23 +0000

Han Gan was a Tang Dynasty painter, who, though recorded as having done wall paintings on Buddhist and Daoist themes, is best remembered for his horse paintings.

Han emphasized the strength and nobility of the horses of the Tang Empire by using a tautly controlled line and compositions of great clarity. The horse as a subject of Chinese painting was continued by Li Gonglin in the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and by Zhao Mengfu in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), among others.

Han Gan paintings

Mountains and Water in Chinese Landscape Paintings

CNArtGallery — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:28:50 +0000

Landscape painting is traditionally at the top of the hierarchy of Chinese painting styles. The Chinese term for "landscape" is made up of two characters meaning "mountains and water".

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