The Paintings of Guo Xiuyi - a female student of Qi Baishi

This captivating book celebrates the extraordinary talent of Guo Xiuyi, a distinguished disciple of the legendary Master Qi Baishi. Guo apprenticed under Master Qi from 1951 to 1957, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to his teachings and developing a style that mirrored the vitality and brilliance of her mentor's works.

Guo Xiuyi’s paintings bring life to every subject she touches—whether human figures, landscapes, birds, fish, shrimp, plants, or flowers. Her art, known for its realism and vitality, earned her high praise from her peers, with fellow disciples remarking, “Should her work be put next to our teacher's best examples, who can tell which one is the Master's?”

Master Qi Baishi himself celebrated Guo’s progress, often adding his own touches to her works. His inscriptions, such as “The dark ink color was added by Baishi to the cat painted by my disciple Xiuyi,” reveal a deep sense of pride and humor. In works like “A Rooster in the Morning”, Qi praised her brilliance, writing, “Xiuyi's painting is as brilliant as mine.”

This richly illustrated book provides readers not only with Guo’s exceptional artworks but also with Qi Baishi’s witty and affectionate inscriptions. Through these annotations, readers can gain insight into Qi Baishi’s teaching philosophy and his unique relationship with his students.

About Qi Baishi

Qi Baishi (1864–1957) is one of the most celebrated Chinese painters, renowned for his whimsical and playful watercolor works. Born into a peasant family in Hunan, Qi was a self-taught artist who began his career as a carpenter. Influenced by artists like Bada Shanren and Xu Wei, Qi developed a distinctive style that bridged realism and abstraction. His later works often featured subjects like shrimp, birds, and mice, embodying his belief that “paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness.”

Qi Baishi was also an accomplished seal carver and referred to himself as “the fortune of three hundred stone seals.”

Product Details

• Publisher: Visuals Press (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English, Mandarin Chinese
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 133
• ISBN-10: 0979595401
• ISBN-13: 978-0979595400
• Item Weight: 2.9 pounds

This beautifully crafted volume is a must-have for art enthusiasts, students of Chinese painting, and admirers of Master Qi Baishi’s legacy. Secure your copy today to explore the profound artistry and inspiring mentorship between a master and his pupil.