Manual of Painting: Introductory Volume

Editorial Guidelines 5

From the Five Dynasties period through the Song and Yuan dynasties, artists began to clearly sign their names and surnames; the Ming dynasty followed this tradition. In this edition, which gathers famous paintings, there are instances where famous individuals were asked to contribute inscribed poems, leaving no room to re-insert the artist's name. There are also those skilled in painting but less proficient in calligraphy, and ladies of the inner chambers Refers to educated women or noblewomen who often painted in private and avoided public fame. who did not wish to sign their names. All such works have been marked with seals so that their legacies may be preserved for eternity.

Historically, the art of painting was either passed down through family generations original: "箕裘" (jīqiú); literally "sieve and fur-coat," an idiom for inheriting a father's professional legacy. or transmitted through the direct bond of master and disciple original: "靑藍" (qīnglán); "blue from indigo," referring to the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student.. Since the first collection of this manual was published, everyone within the realm has come to understand how to paint landscapes; it has become a craft that anyone can learn and master. This collection contains eight subjects: Orchids, Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, Chrysanthemums, Herbaceous Flowers, Woody Flowers, Insects, and Birds. These are divided into two parts, and each volume is split into upper and lower sections.

The upper section of the first volume begins with a detailed history of technical origins so that students know the source of these arts. Next are mnemonic songs original: "歌訣" (gējué); rhyming verses used to help students memorize complex painting rules. so they know the principles to follow. This is followed by various "starting styles" to teach the proper way to hold the brush and begin the work original: "握管" (wòguǎn); literally "grasping the tube.". The lower section contains complete imitations of famous paintings from both ancient and modern times to provide models for study. A person of insight will understand these at a glance. We shall soon see women in their quarters wielding brushes and young children excelling at painting. This serves as a small contribution to our civilized age and the refinement of this peaceful era original: "黼黻太平" (fǔfú tàipíng); a metaphor comparing cultural achievements to the beautiful embroidery on ritual robes..

The art of painting is not considered masterful without the technique of shading and washing original: "渲染" (xuànrǎn); the application of watery washes to create depth and tone.. This collection covers dozens of processes, such as collecting mineral greens, grinding cinnabar, washing blues, and applying white powder. We have not been stingy with the "golden needle" original: "金針" (jīnzhēn); a metaphor for revealing the "inner secrets" or "tricks of the trade.", providing detailed explanations in the latter section. By following these, one’s use of color and shading will certainly reach perfection.

Customs vary across the four directions, and tastes differ accordingly. Among scholars and refined gentlemen, some prefer the light and elegant "freehand" style original: "寫意" (xiěyì); "writing the idea," a spontaneous style focusing on the spirit of the subject., while others prefer the meticulous "fine-line" style original: "鈎勒" (gōulè); the precise outlining of forms before filling with color.. Ancient painters originally divided their work into these two distinct paths.