Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is still under copyright. Qi Baishi died in 1957; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2027. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.
In context
Bindweed, dodder — Qi Baishi
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 93 at death.
Painted when the artist was 90. The artist lived to 93. 72 of the 81 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Qi Baishi (1864–1957) ▲ this work, 1954 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1930 Main working years: 1930–1951 Late works: from 1951
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wikioo.org/en/art/similar/qi-baishi-bindweed-dodder-8XYTA9-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #c4c4c4
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 83.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 87 works by this artist, of which 23 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Xiangtan, China
Born: Xiangtan, China (1864)
Died: 1957
Qi Baishi was a celebrated Chinese painter renowned for his distinctive watercolor style characterized by whimsical depictions of everyday life. Born into a peasant family in Hunan province, his journey to becoming one of China's most beloved artists was marked by self-study and a keen observation of the world around him.
Humble Beginnings: Qi Baishi’s early life was shaped by poverty. He lived with his parents, grandparents, and eight siblings in Xiangtan.
Brief Formal Education: Due to illness, he received less than a year of formal schooling.
Apprenticeship as a Carpenter: Unable to perform strenuous labor, Qi became an apprentice carpenter, a period that instilled in him practical skills and resourcefulness.
Sparking Interest in Art: While working as a carpenter, he encountered a Chinese painting manual, which ignited his passion for art, particularly the depiction of animals, insects, and plants.
Early Studies: He initially studied the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden, using performers, especially opera artists, as models to hone his skills. Later, he broadened his subject matter to include anyone willing to pose.
Gongbi Training: Qi Baishi received foundational training in gongbi mode from Hu Qinyuan, emphasizing fine brushwork and meticulous detail.
Mentorship of Tan Pu: His mentorship under Tan Pu led him to explore landscape painting and solidified his ambition to become a professional artist.
Xieyi Style: Despite his gongbi training, Qi Baishi became famous for his mastery of the xieyi (sketching thoughts) style, known for its freely expressive brushstrokes.
Influences: Key influences included early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren (Zhu Da) and Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei.
Shanghai School & Wu Changshuo: His travels led him to the Shanghai school where he met Wu Changshuo, who became a significant mentor and inspiration.
Chen Shizeng: A later influential relationship developed with Chen Shizeng while living in Beijing.
Subjects of Observation: Qi Baishi’s paintings encompassed a wide range of subjects, including animals (especially mice, shrimp, and birds), landscapes, figures, toys, and vegetables.
"Likeness and Unlikeness": He theorized that paintings should exist "between likeness and unlikeness," reflecting the complexities of everyday life.
Watercolor Mastery: His watercolor technique was characterized by vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and a playful spirit.
Seal Carving: Qi Baishi was also an accomplished seal carver, proudly referring to himself as "the rich man of three hundred stone seals."
Popularity with Collectors: His accessible style resonated with both artistic and political collectors.
Resilience During Political Upheaval: Despite the tumultuous political climate following the fall of the Qing dynasty, Qi Baishi maintained his artistic integrity and values.
National Recognition: In 1953, he was elected president of the China Artists Association and later served as honorary chairman of the Beijing Academy of Chinese Painting.
Cultural Icon: Qi Baishi’s work continues to be celebrated for its accessibility, humor, and profound connection to everyday life, solidifying his place as a major figure in 20th-century Chinese art.
wikioo.org/en/art/download/qi-baishi-bindweed-dodder-8XYTA9-en/
Look closely
Bindweed, dodder — Qi Baishi
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The luminance recorded for "Bindweed, dodder" by Qi Baishi is bright balance.
"Bindweed, dodder" by Qi Baishi can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.
The creation of "Bindweed, dodder" by Qi Baishi is dated 1954.