
Printmaking
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Qi Baishi painted Gourds at the age of 77, when his brushwork had reached its most mature state. Inspired by the gourds he grew in his courtyard, he often returned to this theme, finding endless joy in their simple, natural beauty. He once said, “Painting should capture the spirit, not just the form,” and this work perfectly reflects that philosophy. The large gourd leaves are rendered with bold, sweeping black ink strokes, creating a sense of volume and energy. The two bright yellow gourds, hanging gracefully from twisted vines, are the focal point, their warm color contrasting sharply with the dark leaves. The delicate, calligraphic lines of the vines add movement and life to the composition. In Chinese culture, the gourd symbolizes “fortune and longevity,” and the two gourds together represent “double blessings.” For Qi, this painting was not just a depiction of nature, but a heartfelt wish for happiness and good luck. Even in his later years, he continued to paint gourds, as they reminded him of the simple joys of life.
The work uses bold freehand brushwork for leaves and vines, paired with bright color blocks for the gourds. The concept centers on folk symbolism of “fortune and longevity,” blending calligraphic lines with expressive simplicity.

Qi Baishi
changsha,hunan
Qi Baishi (1864–1957) was a great Chinese painter, calligrapher and seal carver. He was famous for vivid shrimps, flowers and birds, with a fresh and simple artistic style.
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