Chinese Paintings

As one of the major art forms with continuous artistic traditions in the world, Chinese paintings reflect a close relationship to the ideals associated with Buddhism and Taoism of total concentration in the present and harmony with nature. The use of brush and water-based color on paper and silk to create images, most often Chinese landscapes, have defined the character of Chinese paintings over the centuries. The carefully curated Chinese paintings for sale at the Bidsquare Asian Works of Art auction presents high-quality works spanning centuries and encompassing a variety of styles, attracting global museums and private collectors alike.

Traditional Chinese Paintings

Chinese paintings do not only attempt to capture the outer appearance of a subject but also its essence as well - nature and character. The paintings reflect two major traditions - the Meticulous Style - Gong-bi (also court tradition), characterized by its typical incorporation of delicate chinese calligraphy strokes and close attention to detail, and the Freehand Style (Shui-mo) with its emphasis on the essence of a subject rather than its appearance.

In terms of the theme, Chinese paintings embody the depiction of human figures, landscapes, birds, and flowers. It was during the Tang Dynasty that figure paintings became highly developed, while landscape painting reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. The exposure of Western art to Chinese painters during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the creation of a new style that is an amalgamation of traditional Chinese painting with Western impressionism and perspective. The aesthetics of paintings and calligraphy have contributed significantly to the flowing lines and linear designs in creating paintings, in which both the art form and the spirit of the object get equal importance.

Characteristics of Chinese Painting

In contrast to Western art, there is more emphasis on water-based techniques than oils or acrylics in Chinese painting, and similar to calligraphy it was done with a brush dipped in black or colored ink, typically on paper or silk. The completed artwork was mounted as hanging scrolls or handscrolls to be passed to later generations.

Covering centuries of Chinese history, the vintage and antique Chinese paintings for sale at Bidsquare online auctions feature a diverse range of subject matter including exquisite landscapes, bird-and-flowers, figures, and calligraphic works, offering collectors and connoisseurs the opportunity to enrich their collection of these timeless artworks.

Quick Facts about Chinese Paintings

• The painting was often inspired by poetry and combined with calligraphy.
• Many paintings have been preserved in tombs of emperors and other important people.