The origin of ink wash painting or as called in Chinese “shui mo hua”
Ink wash painting or the ink wash technic is a type of brush painting that uses black ink – as used in calligraphy – in different concentrations. Emerging in the Tang dynasty in China (618–907) it really flourished later in the Song dynasty (960–1279).
It is said that the technic was invented by an artist named Wang Wei. During the Thang dynasty and after further development, the technique spread to Japan around 1350. The appreciation of Ink painting peaked in popularity among Japanese artists and calligraphers during the Muromachi era (1338-1573).
Painting style
This special drawing technic is created using a brush, dipped into ground ink, then submerged in water before being painted onto a canvas of paper or silk. Because of that the focused and monotone nature of the paintings are created composed of just black and white.
Having developed alongside Chinese calligraphy, ink wash paintings or shui-mo paintings often feature trees, flowers, landscapes, animals, birds and people. Also, they are often accompanied by Chinese poetry. This style was once the traditional style of painting for Eastern people in general and common as well in Japan, Vietnam and Korea.
The paintingstyle does not put high importance on a precise depiction of a real scene or object. As in Calligraphy, the brushstroke in Chinese ink brush painting is less a means of applying ink than a philosophical or emotional statement. They are often improvised works, arising from the artist’s sudden inspiration when observing beautiful scenery. Therefore, this type of painting is hard to copy or reproduce. Sometimes this style is also referred to as Guo Hua painting although that is a much broader description.
Contemporary ink and wash painting
Today there are many new Chinese artists that use the traditional Chinese ink wash technic to draw new sceneries and new pictures. On Pinterest I collect some of those modern style ink paintings for your reference.
Also I have attached a selection of one of my favourite emerging artist Wang Yawei. I hope you like them.
How does it work in practise?
The brush techniques emphasized in Chinese painting include line drawing and the stylized expressions of shade and texture. Also dotting methods are used mainly to differentiate trees and plants and for simple embellishment.
The different brush strokes give the painting rhythm and beauty and depict the subject’s outward and inner qualities. At the same time, they reveal the individuality and style of each painter himself. To better describe it I attached a nice video of a beginner lesson in Chinese brush painting to get a short introduction.
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