Li Kuchan
李苦禅
About the Artist
Li Kuchan (1899–1983), born Li Yingjie, was a preeminent Chinese painter and educator. Hailing from Shandong, he studied Western art under Xu Beihong and became the first protégé of Qi Baishi. To fund his education, he worked as a rickshaw puller .
He taught at the Central Academy of Fine Arts for over 30 years. A master of xieyi (freehand) painting, he was famed for bold, powerful depictions of eagles and flowers, blending vigorous brushwork with profound simplicity. His style was robust and expressive, earning him recognition alongside Pan Tianshou ("Nan Pan, Bei Li").
A revered artist and teacher, he greatly influenced modern Chinese bird-and-flower painting.
“Li Kuchan (1899–1983), originally named Li Yingjie, was a master of Chinese freehand bird-and-flower painting and a celebrated disciple of Qi Baishi.”
Works Available
2 works
