Author: Hsu Ku-An

Category：Ink Painting

Size:Length:119 x Width:135 (cm)

Size description：139x184(含框)

Introduction：Hsu Ku-An (1926-), born in Taoyuan, Hunan, is also known by the courtesy name Junshou and the pseudonym Master of Xin Hua Zhai. He graduated top of his class from Nanjing Art Academy. Nanjing, a historic cultural capital and hub for artists, provided Hsu with a fertile environment influenced by the Zhejiang, Wu, and Shanghai schools. Under the guidance of various masters, Hsu absorbed the essence of their styles, developing a clear and graceful painting style characterized by simple yet expressive brushwork. Additionally, he enjoyed sketching from life, often traveling extensively to immerse himself in nature, learning from ancient masters and capturing the spirit of freehand brushwork. Xu excels in painting flowers, fish, and birds, employing lively and engaging techniques that convey a rustic simplicity and charm.
Traditionally, freehand painting strives for abstract expression, blending the artist’s temperament with the spirit of nature, creating breakthroughs in artistic conception. This technique makes full use of the variations in ink and water, with their interplay of wet and dry, thick and thin, and blends them with colors to achieve a vivid and dynamic effect. Xu not only masters these techniques but also extensively researches painting theories. He has authored works such as "The Origins of Chinese Painting," "Court Painting of the Qing Dynasty," "The Six Principles of Chinese Painting," and "A Brief Introduction to Chinese Bird-and-Flower Painting." He also founded the "Painters and Calligraphers" art magazine, significantly contributing to the ink painting community.
This work, "I Love the National Flower," depicts the national flower of China—the plum blossom. With its three buds and five petals, the plum blossom symbolizes the Three Principles of the People and the Five-Power Constitution. Resilient against the harsh winter, it represents integrity and nobility. The focal point of the painting is clear and prominent, with strong, vigorous branches rendered in varying shades of ink, contrasting beautifully with the pure white plum blossoms. The composition is lively, capturing the movement of the blossoms swaying in the cold wind. The clean and crisp brushwork highlights the plum blossom's elegance and steadfast spirit.

Accession Number:PT09903700

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