Mynah

Qi Baishi Chinese

Not on view

Qi stayed in Peking against the advice of friends when the Japanese invaded the north of China in 1931. With exception of a visit to Sizhuan in 1936, he remained there during the war between 1937 and 1945. He says in his diary that he was too old to flee with either ease or stealth.

During this period in Peking, he continued to paint, simplifying and strengthening his style, taking direct inspiration from the 17th century individualist Badashanren. Qi learned from the monk-painter the importance of what is not painted in a picture, for example, the white markings at the myna's throat in this work.

Mynah, Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957), Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, China

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