QI, Baishi - CHINESE FINE ART.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Beijing Rongbaozhai xin ji shijian pu ("Fine Letter Papers From the Beijing Rongbaozhai Studio"). First edition, first printing, here in excellent condition, of this 1955 collection of "letter papers" curated by the Rongbaozhai fine arts studio, reproducing several dozen works by Qi Baishi, known as the "Chinese Picasso", as well as examples by many other prominent artists from the late Qing and Republican periods. This is an attractive example of fine press publishing in 20th-century China.First produced in 1951, Rongbaozhai's collections of letter papers - the name given to illustrated sheets designed and executed by literati to enhance their written correspondence - showcase the visually arresting work of leading practitioners of this art form. The present work contains many examples by Qi Baishi (1864-1957), one of the "Four Great Masters of 20th-century Chinese painting" (Perkins, p. 404), who also brushed the calligraphy used for the title labels. Qi's contributions exhibit his well-known fascination with insects, flowers and birds, variably rendered in either broad strokes or precise fine lines.Alongside the work of Qi Baishi, this album includes letter paper designs by other artistic luminaries including Wu Daiqiu (1878-1949), Wang Mengbai (1888-1934), Ma Jin (1900-1970), Yan Bolong (1898-1955), Tang Dingzhi (1878-1948), Wang Shizi (1885-1950), Li Hechou (1891-1974), Wu Guangyu (1908-1970), Xu Yansun (1899-1961), Yang Jichuan (1903-1976), Chen Banding (1876-1970), Che

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