Printmaking
Snake
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 snake, often misunderstood, is actually a symbol of wisdom, renewal, and adaptability in Chinese culture. Xu uses soft ink washes to render the snake’s smooth scales and fluid lines to capture its graceful, coiled posture on the tree branch. The simple green leaves and light background create a calm, natural setting, highlighting the snake’s quiet elegance. For Xu, the snake represented the quiet strength of being able to adapt and grow, even in changing circumstances. He once said that snakes remind us to stay flexible and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come our way. 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 fluid ink lines with soft washes, the work uses delicate brushwork to capture the snake’s form. It aims to convey its symbolic meaning of wisdom and adaptability, blending traditional techniques with subtle realism.
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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