Wang Xizhi Watching Geese (detail)
What materials did the artist use to create this painting?


Qian Xuan's use of bright green and blue pigments is a visual reference to a painting palette popular during the earlier Tang dynasty. This artistic device reinforces the antique theme of the painting—a depiction of China's great Sage of Calligraphy Wang Xizhi (ca. 303–361), who brought a new personal expressiveness to calligraphy. Wang is shown in this painting observing the movements of a pair of geese, which, according to legend, deeply influenced his writing style.

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