Wang Yuantao, Bamboo and Caragana Axis

[Wang Yuan’s picture axis of peach, bamboo and golden pheasant]

The picture axis of peach, bamboo and golden pheasant, made by Wang Yuan in the Yuan Dynasty, is written in paper and ink, 102.3 cm vertically and 55.4 cm horizontally
There is Wang Yuanqian on the picture: “Wang Ruoshui painted the picture of peach, bamboo and golden pheasant for Huiming in 1349.” The seal is printed privately on both sides. The picture combines the neat double-hook lines and delicate ink rendering to form the painting technique of both work and writing, replacing color with ink, born out of the meticulous painting style of “Huang Quan’s rich and noble family” in the Five Dynasties, reflecting the aesthetic view of literati painting that emphasizes ink over color. The painter uses ink and water chapping, halo dyeing, and thick and fine brush. The strokes are steady and free. The layers of ink and water are rich and transparent. The whole picture is elegant and beautiful without any color. The painting meaning is clear, quiet and deep.