Xieyi art captures essence of flower-and-bird paintings

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Traditional Chinese painting is divided into three main genres: portraits, landscapes, and flower-and-bird painting, and within the flower-and-bird genre, three key techniques are employed: gongbi (meticulous brushwork), xieyi (freehand brushwork), and a combination of the two.

Xieyi flower-and-bird painting stands out for its focus on capturing the spirit and essence of the subject rather than strict realism. Using expressive, flowing strokes, it balances ''likeness and unlikeness'' to convey the artist's emotions for a deeper artistic resonance. 

In this particular work, bamboo and chrysanthemums – two timeless symbols in Chinese art – are depicted with xieyi brushwork. The ink and color move freely and fluidly across the canvas, creating a sense of harmony and poetic beauty. Through abstraction and simplicity, xieyi transcends mere form to embody a profound connection between nature's spirit and the artist's intent. (Edited by Li Qiaoxingzi)