Scholar's Tools
This painting of artists' tools—inkstone, water pot and brushes with ink trailing from the brush tip—conveys the fresh vision of Qi Baishi brought to painting by sweeping away pedantry, stale imitation and tired imagery. Sophisticated, sure and sincere, his paginating wittily conjures what is not depicted—painter and work—and the deliberate simplicity of his brushwork in the tools is complemented by the meticulous polish of the insect that feels its way across the imagined painter's table.
Artwork Details
- 清/現代 齊白石 文具圖 軸
- Title: Scholar's Tools
- Artist: Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957)
- Date: dated 1947
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: 41 1/8 x 13 3/8 in. (104.5 x 34 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.231
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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