Qi Baishi

We authenticate, certify, issue certificates of authenticity (COA), appraise the value and broker the sale of paintings and drawings by QI Baishi.

Chinese

Born in 1864, Xiangtan, China.

Died in 1957, Beijing, China, aged 93.

He spent his whole life in China.

Typical subject matter:

A lover of simple things, he typically painted isolated motifs taken from the natural world, including diverse plants and trees as well as animals – especially aquatic animals and birds. He also extensively depicted elements from the rural world, including ordinary people and craftsmen.

Typical style:

He is renowned as a traditional Chinese painter. Aged 20, he taught himself painting, calligraphy and poetry by reading the Qing dynasty era Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden, after which he travelled around China to observe the work of Chinese traditional and rural craftsmen.

He merges all these influences in characteristically brush-painted, coloured isolated motifs on white paper backgrounds. Sketched in broad strokes that give an impression of great energy, his works are enhanced by finer brushstrokes that add detail and meticulousness to the whole. The painted motifs are always accompanied by calligraphic inscriptions in black ink.

Typical material and media:

He almost exclusively worked in Indian and colour ink on paper.

If you own a painting or a drawing by or attributed to Qi Baishi, we would like to learn about it. Please send us photos or contact us at [email protected]. You will generally receive a response within 24 hours.