Printmaking
Boar
by Xu Beihong · Yixing,Jiangsu$1,590
In stock
MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll
Dimensions33 x 30 cm
Year1945
EditionUnique work
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The Story
This work is the final piece in Xu Beihong’s iconic Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals series, created in 1945. Xu, a master of blending Western realism with Eastern ink art, painted each zodiac animal to reflect its cultural symbolism and the spirit of the times. The pig, the last zodiac sign, is a symbol of abundance, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Xu uses soft, muted ink washes to render the pig’s rounded form and gentle lines to capture its calm, grounded posture. The simple, light background keeps focus on the animal, highlighting its quiet and unassuming nature. For Xu, the pig represented the hope for a life of peace and plenty after hardship, a fitting end to his zodiac series. He once said that the pig reminds us to cherish simple joys and find contentment in the present. Today, this painting remains a beloved example of his mastery, blending art, culture, and the spirit of his time into one vivid image.
Craft & Process
Combining soft ink washes and delicate lines, the work captures the pig’s gentle form. It blends traditional Chinese brush techniques with subtle realism, aiming to convey the symbolic virtues of prosperity and contentment.
About the Artist
Xu Beihong
Yixing,Jiangsu
Modern Chinese painting master who fused European realism with traditional ink art, renowned worldwide for his galloping horses.
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