Printmaking
Dog
by Xu Beihong · Yixing, Jiangsu$499
$599
In stock
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The Story
This work is part of Xu Beihong’s iconic Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals series, created to celebrate the cultural significance of the zodiac in Chinese tradition. Xu, a master of blending Western realism with Eastern ink art, painted each zodiac animal to showcase both its symbolic meaning and lifelike charm. For this piece, he focused on the dog, a symbol of loyalty, honesty, and companionship in Chinese culture. Xu’s love for animals began in his youth, and he often painted horses, cats, and dogs to express his admiration for their spirit. In this work, he uses soft ink washes to render the dog’s fur and sharp, precise lines to define its muscles and expression, creating a sense of warmth and vitality. The calligraphy on the side, including the date “乙酉” (1945), marks the year he completed this piece, during a period when he was teaching at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. For Xu, this series was not just a showcase of his skill but a tribute to the enduring values of Chinese culture. Today, the dog from his zodiac series remains one of his most beloved animal works, admired for its perfect balance of realism, emotion, and cultural symbolism.
Craft & Process
Combining Western realism with traditional Chinese ink techniques, the work uses fluid lines and soft washes. It aims to capture the dog’s true nature and symbolic meaning, blending artistry with cultural heritage.
About the Artist
Xu Beihong
Yixing, Jiangsu
Xu Beihong (1895–1953): the painter who fused European academic realism with ink, and whose galloping horses became a national symbol of resilience.
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