Written by: Sana Shahid
Posted on: April 17, 2023 | 
| 中文
Landscape Painting by Shen Zhou
‘Perfection doesn’t exist’, is a saying that we have all heard and experienced before, but would you believe if I say it does exist in the form of ‘Guo Hua Painting’? It is a type of painting which is well thought out and planned beforehand, because once it is on an artist’s canvas, it can’t be erased or fixed. This is the form of perfection that Guo Hua painting demands.
Painting by Zhang Zeduan
‘Guo Hua’ directly translates to ‘National Painting’, although it can have multiple meanings and connotations in simplified or traditional Chinese language. It is mainly known to be ‘traditional Chinese painting’, but having numerous meanings makes it problematic to decode its meaning precisely.
What exactly is a Guo Hua painting? Just like there are various ways to define it, in the same manner, there are several techniques of doing it. A style that involves traditional subjects painted, especially on a Chinese paper or silk, with ink or mineral pigments is primarily considered ‘Guo Hua painting’. To be specific, it focuses largely on the use of brush and ink, excluding oil-based paints. Unlike some Western paintings that have historical stories as their subjects, Guo Hua painting focusses on human figures, landscapes, birds and flowers. The compositional elements and the brush strokes bring life to the artworks following this technique. The subtlety and precision is uncanny, to a point where it may seem like a vintage photograph when viewed from a distance.
Portraits of Men by Yan Liben
When it comes to traditional Chinese painting, there are two prominent techniques: ‘Gongbi’ and ‘Ink and Wash painting’. Gongbi refers to the miniature brush strokes. This technique was usually carried out by commissioned artists working for the royal courts, and depicted narrative and figurative themes. On the other hand, Ink and Wash technique, also referred to as a watercolour or brush painting, highlights the interest of some men who regarded themselves as gentlemen belonging to the Song dynasty.
The title ‘Guo Hua’ or ‘National Painting’ became a proper term in the early 20th century. Chinese art at the moment was quite dynamic, distinct and easily distinguishable from Western art. Although, after getting exposed to the Western art, Guo Hua painting evolved new techniques and styles by combining the two art forms, traditional and Western. Some artists opposed the adaptation of the Western visuals and concepts, while others dedicated their practices to merging the modern and traditional pictography, naming it the ‘New National Style Painting’.
Bamboo painting by Zheng Banqiao
Chinese painting is considered to be one of the oldest forms of art that existed dominantly in the world. These artworks can be dated back to the Han Dynasty from the era of 200BC to 220 AD, and the time of Tang Dynasty as well. These rulers, like other empires, commissioned artists to create stunning paintings of their emperors, horses and royal ladies. Other than mainstream subjects, during the era of Tang Dynasty, landscapes also became the subjects of these artworks, depicting a fascinating imagery of China. The paintings from the Song Dynasty also focused on landscapes, while adding a mythical aspect to them, whereas paintings from the Yuan Dynasty emphasized calligraphy and poetry.
Similarly, these techniques comprise of various characteristics like Chinese painting ink, painting brushes, paper and pigments. All these tools are classified and customized according to the Chinese traditional painting styles. Ink is made with the help of hardened glue and pine extract, while the brushes follow a flowy line pattern resembling the calligraphic curves and strokes. Like the ink, the pigments were also created with the help of natural minerals to give the artworks a real-life effect.
Replica of Nymph of the Lou River by Gu Kaizi
Chinese art, let alone Chinese painting, has a long-lasting historical value to it, which is exemplary even in the contemporary times. Gu Kaizhi was an artist renowned for his iconic calligraphic paintings belonging to the East Jin Dynasty. One of his iconic works is a painting ‘Ode to the Goddess by Lou River’, based on a popular poem with the same title by Cao Zhi. It’s a story of a prince falling in love with a goddess or a nymph by the side of the Lou River. The figures have intricate outlines that were drafted first, and later on filled with pigments. The trees, the mountains and the overall landscape follows a flat perspective painted with translucent colours in earthy tones.
All these historical Chinese paintings are filled with layered details and intricacies that a viewer can gaze upon for hours. Wu Daozi, another popular Chinese painter from the Tang Dynasty, is known for his work, ‘Born of Gautama Buddha’. This work follows a panorama size having almost 7 different scenes, mainly depicting the birth of Gautama Buddha. His line quality is exceptional, with sepia tones in the background showing off his immense talent. Daozi painted more than 300 murals and over 100 scrolls. His work is truly inspirational, even for the contemporary artists.
Twelve Landscapes in Old Styles by Wang Jian
Chinese art has existed since the beginning of time, so calling it exceptional is an understatement. The evolution of painting and other art forms is very noticeable from one era to another. The meaning of Guo Hua painting has also evolved based on changing times, but some elements like having a signature style, a connection with the viewer, certain figurative aesthetics and harmony of colors remains constant.
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