Printmaking
Goat
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 part of 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 sheep, a symbol of peace, kindness, and good fortune in Chinese culture, is portrayed with characteristic warmth and tenderness. Xu uses soft ink washes to render the sheep’s wool and gentle lines to capture its quiet, grounded posture. The simple, light background keeps focus on the animal, highlighting its serene and gentle nature. For Xu, the sheep represented the quiet strength of compassion and the hope for a harmonious world, even in turbulent times. He once said that the sheep reminds us to stay kind and humble, yet remain steadfast in our hearts. 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 sheep’s gentle form. It blends traditional Chinese brush techniques with subtle realism, aiming to convey the symbolic virtues of kindness and harmony.
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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