The Influence of Confucianism on Xieyi
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While Daoism and Chan Buddhism are often cited as the main influences on Xieyi, Confucianism also plays a more subtle, yet important, role in the development and values of the art form. Confucianism, with its emphasis on social harmony, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of character, has shaped the cultural context in which Xieyi painting emerged.  Confucianism values the idea of self-cultivation, urging individuals to strive for moral and intellectual excellence. This ideal resonates with the pursuit of mastery and personal development that is central to the practice of Xieyi. The process of learning is viewed as a process of personal growth.  The Confucian emphasis on social harmony and order can be seen in the appreciation of balance and composition in Xieyi paintings. Artists often seek to create works that are both aesthetically pleasing and ethically sound, reflecting the values of the society in which they live. It should be pleasing to the eye, but should also have inner meaning.  The Confucian ideal of the gentleman scholar, a person of both moral integrity and artistic talent, has shaped the role of the literati artist in China. Xieyi painters often see themselves as both artists and scholars, striving to create works that are both beautiful and meaningful. The artists act as cultural and social leaders. The Confucian concept of "Li" (禮), or ritual propriety, can also be seen in the traditional practices and protocols associated with Xieyi, from the careful preparation of materials to the respectful handling of the finished artwork. The rituals that surround the art form contribute to its overall significance. |
Tag : Confucianism in art, Chinese ethics, social harmony, self-cultivation, literati values
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While less common than landscapes and flowers/birds, figure painting (人物画, renwuhua) also has a place within the Xieyi tradition. These works often focus on capturing the character and spirit of the individual rather than simply portraying a likeness. The focus is on expression and inner qualities.
Bamboo is a popular subject in Xieyi painting, valued for its elegant form, resilience, and rich symbolic meaning, with artists using bold, fluid brushstrokes and calligraphic lines to capture its essence, its vital energy, and to express core values of integrity, resilience, and a meditative connection to nature.
The "Dry Brush" (kěbǐ) technique is essential in Xieyi, involving minimal ink and water to create broken, scratchy lines that add texture, depth, a sense of age, and dynamism, requiring a sensitive hand and enhancing the spontaneity and expressiveness of the art form.
Dedicated and consistent practice is essential for mastering Xieyi painting, developing technical skills, intuition, and spontaneity, while also fostering patience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of the art form's philosophy and aesthetics, transforming the practice into a form of self-discovery.
"Gu Yi" (ancient intention) in Xieyi emphasizes an artist's engagement with tradition, seeking to absorb the spirit and principles of past masters, studying their techniques and cultural context to create work that honors the legacy of the art form and contributes to its ongoing evolution.