| 内容简介（英文） | Imitating the Ancients Ch’in I Ch’ing Dynasty (1645-1911) Ch’in I (style name Yuan-yu) was a native of Wu-hsien (modern Soochow, Kiangsu). Aloof by nature, he lived in a monk’s and never married. Studying the ancients and versed in the Chinese Classics, Ch’in I followed the calligraphic styles of Ou-yang Hsun (557-641) and Ch’u Sui-liang (596-658). His landscapes are harmonious and elegant. Ch’in I was the author of Hua-chieh (Views on Painting). In this album leaf done in monochrome ink is a plum branch with some buds and blossoms. The ink and brushwork are both extremely pure and clear, just as described in the artist’s inscription which states that the painting emphasizes ideas and not forms. By the Ming (1368-1644) and Ch’ing (1645-1911) dynasties, plum blossom painting already had symbolic significance, representing the solitary and lofty sentiment of the man of integrity. Though this painting only includes a single branch with a few blossoms, this sentiment is no less present than had there been numerous intricate blossoms. |
