Blossoming Plum
Li Ruiqing Chinese
Not on view
In spite of Li Ruiqing's advocacy of Western technique in the practice and study of art, his own paintings were deeply rooted in the past, particularly in archaic forms of Chinese calligraphy preserved on ancient bronzes and stone steles. The fundamental importance of calligraphy to Li's paintings is explicit in his inscription on Blossoming Plum:
Though a new branch in full bloom,The old tree remains gnarled and twisted;This is a scroll of bell-and-tripod seal-script writing,Please do not treat it as a painting.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.