Qi Baishi

Qi Baishi (1864–1957), born in Xiangtan, Hunan, was one of the most influential Chinese artists in the 20th century. He began as a woodcarver and later taught himself painting, calligraphy, poetry and seal carving. He excelled in freehand brushwork, known for lively shrimps, insects, flowers, birds and landscapes. His works combine folk art vitality with traditional literati painting elegance, simple in form but rich in spirit. He created tens of thousands of paintings and enjoyed high reputation at home and abroad, honored as a people’s artist and a master who revitalized Chinese ink painting.