Artwork

明胡正言《十竹齋書畫譜》四開木版畫|Page from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy

明胡正言《十竹齋書畫譜》四開木版畫|Page from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hu Zhengyan. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print is a page from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy, a book created by Hu Zhengyan in 1633. It is an example of a woodblock print, a traditional Chinese printing technique.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a still life arrangement featuring a bowl of yellow fruit, possibly lemons or limes, and a piece of dark gray coral. The composition showcases the artist's ability to capture the textures and forms of everyday objects.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by bold lines and bright colors, achieved through the use of woodblock printing and cross-hatching techniques. These methods create a sense of texture and depth, adding visual interest to the still life.

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Leaf from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Hu Zhengyan

Hu Zhengyan was a Chinese artist, printmaker and publisher. He worked in calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, and seal-carving, but was primarily a publisher, producing academic texts as well as records of his own work.