International Journal of Education and Humanities

ISSN: 2770-6702 | Vol. 11, No. 1, 2023

Analysis of the Artistic Characteristics of Literati

Paintings
Wenwei Fan1, *
1The Anhui University of Finance and Economics School of Art, Bengbu, Anhui Province, 233030, China
* Corresponding author: Fan Wenwei (Email: fzaoxiangtai@163.com)

Abstract: As a unique form of Chinese traditional painting, literati painting has its own distinctive features and far-reaching
influence compared with other schools. Through the combination of literati painting with nature, personal feelings and social
environment, it expresses the unique artistic style and unique aesthetic concept. At the same time, the literati paintings also reflect
the extensive knowledge and noble sentiment of the Chinese literati and officialdom, and carry a wealth of historical and cultural
connotations. It is believed that the active study and inheritance of literati paintings will promote the development and innovation
of Chinese painting and contribute more wonderful works and ideas to the art world. This article through to the literati painting
origin, the main style characteristic and the creation theme thorough analysis, demonstrated the literati painting in the Chinese
traditional painting unique status and the importance.
Keywords: Zhu liangzhi, Literati painting, Artistic features.

precedent of literati painting, then Su Shi as a model of

1. The Origin of Literati Painting ancient literati participated in painting, and put forward the
Chinese literati painting is a culturally rich form of concept of "literati painting" for the first time.[1]Su Shi's
traditional Chinese painting that uses brush and ink to express paintings, except for the "Dead Wood and Strange Stones",
the spirit and emotion of Chinese culture. Like other forms of have been rarely circulated, but his idea of conveying the
culture and art, literati painting shows us historical, cultural literati's spirit through paintings established the status of
and aesthetic developments, providing a way to understand literati paintings in the Northern Song Dynasty painting world.
Chinese cultural aesthetic preferences and to perceive the His idea of literati painting was more fully embodied in the
world. "Rice Dot Landscapes" created by Mi Fu and Mi Youren. The
Chinese literati painting has a long history, with origins landscape paintings of Mi's father and son, with their "ink
dating back to ancient China. In ancient times, painting was play" approach, abandoned all utilitarianism in painting and
regarded as an important cultural activity, both as an aesthetic expressed the literati's view of life as a "pleasure-seeking
activity and as a cultural heritage. The subjects of ancient heart," which largely influenced the development of literati
paintings were often myths and legends or religious beliefs, painting.
such as the Fuxi and Xuanyuan drawings, both of which are It can be seen that the origin of Chinese literati painting
among the most famous mythological and legendary motifs goes back to the ancient times of China, and through the
in early China. Over time, painting became an art form with evolution of the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing dynasties, it has
cultural connotations and aesthetic experiences, and gradually formed a unique style in spirit and form. Literati
developed to its peak during the Tang and Song dynasties, as painting is an important part of traditional Chinese culture,
well as the Ming and Qing dynasties. Early Chinese literati which not only represents the peak of Chinese painting, but is
painters were known for their poetry, music, calligraphy and also one of the essences of Chinese civilization.
painting. Most of them were not formally trained in art, but
with their unique perspective and in-depth observation of the 2. Main Stylistic Features of Literati
natural world, they painted many works with a distinctive Painting
flavor and rhyme. There were some outstanding literati
As an important school of Chinese painting tradition,
painters during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, who
literati painting emphasizes the expression of the artist's
often referred to each other, borrowed and innovated, and
personality and reverence for nature and the painter's deep
formed a unique style of literati painters。 understanding of the inner world and nature. The stylistic
The Song Dynasty was the golden age of Chinese literati characteristics of literati painting can be elaborated from
painting, when culture and art reached their peak. The many aspects, and the following will discuss in detail the
Northern Song government's strategic policy of "ruling the stylistic characteristics of literati painting, such as reverence
country through literature" greatly improved the social status for nature, plainness and simplicity, as well as elegance and
of the literati, who had more opportunities to enter the elegance.
government. The government set up the Shilin Museum, Da
Guan Ge and other painting academies, widely accepted 2.1. Revere nature
scholars, formed a systematic learning painting skills and Literati painting emphasizes the artist's perception and
cultivate the mechanism of aesthetic thinking, which is also expression of nature rather than the mechanical imitation of
the literati painters in this period to heel the matter of one of nature, pursuing not only the image reproduction of natural
the important conditions of the increase in Hua. If it is said scenery, but also the capture of natural mood and atmosphere,
that Wang Wei in the Tang Dynasty as a scholar opened the

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not only the present of reality, but also the pursuit of Zhou conveyed his reluctance to part with his old friend
transcending reality. Therefore, literati painting often adopts through simple ink and brushwork.
the expression of writing, and expresses the essence of natural Literati paintings emphasize the sense of wholeness and are
scenery through free and dashing ink and brushwork. Literati not obsessed with details. Often, the main features of the
painters were good at using ink, water, color and other scene are outlined through simple ink and brushwork, and the
painting materials, using changing lines, ink colors and details are left blank or blurred, so that the viewer can find
various techniques to express the charm of nature, and and associate with the scene on his own, and this kind of
creating works with strong individual characteristics by creative method of not sticking to the details gives the viewer
emphasizing on reality and meaning. The way of expression more space for imagination. The simplicity and plain style is
makes literati painting more artistic and lyrical, showing a a unique way of expression of traditional Chinese painting,
deep understanding of nature and emotional experience. In which is not like Western oil painting, with its subtle and fine
addition, literati paintings are often closely connected with carving, but focuses on the aesthetic pursuit, the coordination
poetry and literature, and painters often base their paintings of ink and water, allegory and symbolism, emotional
on poetic sentiments. They expressed their feelings and internalization of humanistic concern and the meaning
understanding of the natural world through verses and beyond the form. Literati painting's simple ink and profound
translated these feelings into the composition and ink connotation has high appreciation and research value, it is not
expression of their paintings. Landscape has a special only artistic expression, but also a kind of spiritual
symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, and many painters transmission.
express their thoughts and feelings about nature and life
through their representations of landscapes during their 2.3. Elegant and unconventional
travels. They used brush and ink to outline natural scenery Dashing and floating is also a unique artistic style of
such as mountains, rivers, pines and cypresses, making Chinese literati painting, which emphasizes the painter's
landscape painting one of the most common themes in literati individual expression, emotional release and unrestrained
paintings. freedom of creation. This style is characterized by the
painter's literary emotion, attitude towards life and aesthetic
2.2. Simple and unadorned concept. Painters often integrate their own emotions into their
The plain and simple style of literati paintings reflects the paintings, and this emotional expression makes literati
traditional Chinese aesthetic concept of "peace and harmony". paintings full of vitality and emotional resonance. The
What the literati pursued in their paintings was not dashing and elegant literati paintings emphasize the
ostentatious and ornate images, but rather the expression of imagination of brush and ink techniques. Painters often use
their inner feelings and their perception of nature through simple and expressive brush and ink to outline the main
thoughtful composition and exquisite use of brush and ink. features of the scenery through techniques such as leaving
They believed that true beauty should be expressed as calm, white space, blurring, and light ink, creating a poetic and
introverted, and subtle, rather than dazzling and eye-catching. philosophical atmosphere. When appreciating the paintings,
Under this aesthetic pursuit, the works of literati paintings the viewer not only sees the scenery, but also feels the
often give people the artistic enjoyment of tranquility and painter's deep understanding and emotional expression of
comfort. The harmonization of ink and water in literati nature and life.
paintings is indispensable to the formation of the "plain and The most common way of expression is "deep in the front
simple" style. Ink and water are the two basic elements in and light at the back", where the foreground of the picture is
literati paintings, and painters use ink and water in varying drawn with deep ink, and the distant view of the picture, such
degrees to complete the picture. Painters pay attention to the as high mountains and flowing water, is blurred and sketched
balance between ink and water, and use the right intensity to with light ink, which makes the picture rich in hierarchy and
express the outlines and textures of the scenery, and this has a sense of haze and misty feeling. This makes the picture
coordinated use of ink and water makes the picture look layered, hazy and ethereal. The flow, splash, and stain of ink
simple, but in fact, it is often rich in the artist's meaning and are skillfully applied, and the painting is full of vitality.
symbolism. Literati painters internalized emotions into the
soul of their works, conveying thoughts on nature, life and 3. The Main Subjects of Literati
philosophy through subtle brushwork and compositional Paintings
arrangements. Such allegory and symbolism gave literati
paintings more cultural value and artistic depth. 3.1. Landscape painting
In Sixteen Views of Southern Painting, Zhu Liangzhi Landscape painting in literati painting is one of the
considers "the way of peace and harmony" to be the highest important subjects in traditional Chinese painting, which
aesthetic ideal of Shen Zhou's paintings. In him, can reflect takes landscape scenery as the main object of creation, and
the late development of Chinese history in the scholars conveys the painter's thoughts and pursuits on nature, life and
revered some of the spiritual temperament: affinity for the philosophy by depicting the changes of landscape in nature.
world, emphasizing the harmony between man and nature, in In the history of Chinese painting, landscape painting has a
life to feel the beauty of the world.[2] Farewell at the Capital" long tradition and has played an important role in the
was painted in 1507, when Shen Zhou was in his later years, development and inheritance of Chinese art.
and the painting mainly expresses the emotional atmosphere First of all, landscape painting is characterized by its
of sending off his old friend Wu Kuan in his old age. The emphasis on expressing the magnificent beauty and grandeur
painting is very clean and simple, filled with tranquility, the of nature. In landscape painting, painters often use exquisite
overall layout of the picture is very empty, only the river is skills and unique compositional techniques to show the
empty, the waves are flat and the sky is high, the trees are majesty and wonder of nature. The natural elements in the
sparse and the sender is not far away from the goodbye. Shen works, such as mountains, water and clouds, are given rich

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imagery by the artists, so that the viewers can feel the mystery expressing his sentiments and praises for the native life and
and grandeur of the landscape while enjoying it. natural emotions.
Secondly, through the depiction of landscape, landscape As an important subject in literati painting, landscape
painting expresses the artist's aesthetic interest and pursuit of painting conveys the painter's thoughts and pursuits of nature,
the beauty of nature. The landscapes in the works are often life and philosophy through the depiction of natural
presented in a virtual and imaginative way, which not only landscapes. It focuses on expressing the magnificent beauty
shows the painter's unique understanding of nature, but also and grandeur of nature, emphasizing the painter's pursuit of
expresses the painter's profound thoughts on life and the beauty of nature and his aesthetic interest in life, and at
philosophy. For example, Huang Binhong's Landscape with the same time, through its regional characteristics and cultural
Colors (Fig. 1), a Ming Dynasty painter and literati, uses heritage, it expresses the sentiments and praises of native life
staggered ink colors and a simple composition, with and natural emotions. Landscape painting has an important
prominent main peaks and clusters of smaller peaks in the position in the history of Chinese painting, which not only
picture, and the brushwork is firm and thick, giving a sense of shapes the unique Chinese art style, but also becomes an
thickness and vastness. The rocks and trees are depicted by important part of Chinese culture.
flying strokes, showing the power of ink and brushwork as
well as the vividness of the landscape. The depiction of the
flowing springs and streams leaves a euphemistic and twisting
gap, and the flowing momentum of the gentle tumbling,
presenting an ethereal and fascinating picture.

Figure 2. Traveling in the Streams and Mountains

3.2. Flower and Bird Paintings

Flower and bird painting in literati painting is another
creative subject in traditional Chinese painting, which mainly
takes flowers, birds, insects and other natural creatures as the
objects of creation to show people's pursuit of natural beauty
and love of life. Flower and bird painting has a long tradition
in the history of Chinese painting and has played an important
role in the development and inheritance of Chinese art.
Flower and bird painting has a unique position in literati
painting, which conveys the literati sentiment and aesthetic
pursuit of the painter's intermingling with nature with its
special way of expression and unique artistic methods. Flower
and bird painting in literati painting has a strong cultural
atmosphere and humanistic spirit, often combined with the
literati's cultivation and cultural cultivation, together shaping
Figure 1. Landscape with Colors a unique Chinese artistic style.
First of all, flower and bird paintings show the beauty and
Through the depiction of natural landscapes, landscape vitality of nature with their exquisite skills and rich forms of
painting expresses the artist's respect and yearning for the expression. Works on this subject often present the gestures
survival and reproduction of all things in nature. The of flowers and the forms of birds through meticulous
landscapes in the works are often characterized by distinctive depictions, enabling the viewer to feel the marvelous
regional features and cultural connotations, reflecting the variations of flowers and birds in form, color and texture. For
interaction between regional culture and the natural example, the Ming dynasty painter Zhu Da's "hibiscus and
environment. For example, in Song Dynasty painter Fan geese" This painting consists of rocks, hibiscus and geese.
Kuan's "Traveling in the Streams and Mountains" (Figure 2), The rocks and hibiscus are chapped and free of interest. The
the artist portrays the landscape of southern China and the geese are looking up and looking back at the feathers, not
lifestyle of the literati in Jiangnan by delicately sketching out much ink and brushwork, but full of aura, vividly showing the
the details of the landscape, grasses, trees and buildings, texture of the feathers.

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 Secondly, by observing and describing all things in nature, limitations of time and space, depicting real-life scenes and
flower and bird paintings express the artist's deepest the activities of its characters in a realistic and detailed
admiration and yearning for the beauty of nature. The flowers manner. The Night Banquet of Han Xizai was made by Gu
and birds in the works are often endowed with rich emotions Hongzhong, a painter of the Southern Tang Dynasty in the
and meanings by the painters, so that the viewers can feel the Five Dynasties, and is now the only surviving work of Gu
unique understanding and perception of the painters on the Hongzhong. The existing Song copy, 28.7 centimeters wide
objects while appreciating them. For example, the Qing and 335.5 centimeters long, is now in the Palace Museum in
Dynasty painter Shen Quan's "Birds and Phoenix" conveys Beijing. The painting depicts a night banquet at the home of
the ecological harmony of the natural world and the joy of life Han Xizai, an official, with songs and music. The painting
through the colorful feathers and gestures of the birds. depicts a complete night banquet at Han's house, i.e., five
Literati paintings of birds and flowers with its unique scenes of pipa playing, watching a dance, resting between
literati charm and cultural meaning, highlighting the feasts, blowing, and sending off guests. The author's amazing
harmonious relationship between man and nature. Flower and power of observation and deep understanding of the fate and
bird paintings often combine flowers and birds in nature with thoughts of the main character have created a wonderful work
humanistic feelings through ethereal and natural that deserves to be remembered forever.
compositions and delicate artistic techniques to achieve a In addition to expressing the spiritual connotation and
balanced and harmonious artistic effect. For example, Wen temperament of the literati, figure paintings in literati
Zhengming's Ink and Bamboo Painting of the Ming Dynasty paintings also reflect the background of the times and the
depicts delicate orchids as silk, presenting a quietness in the society. For example, the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains
midst of agitation to express the literati's attitude of by Huang Gongwang, a painter of the Yuan Dynasty, features
indifference to fame and fortune. the literati's self-satisfied manor life among the mountains
In a word, flower and bird painting in literati painting is an and waters, demonstrating their escapism and transcendental
important subject in traditional Chinese painting, which takes state of mind. The figures in literati paintings are often
flowers and birds in nature as the objects, and shows the combined with other themes, such as interplaying with
painter's pursuit of the beauty of nature and his love for life elements of landscape, birds and flowers, and figures to form
through delicate depictions and unique artistic methods. In a richer and more flavorful picture.
addition, flower and bird painting contains rich cultural Generally speaking, the figures in literati paintings take the
connotation and humanistic spirit in its creation, which makes literati as their subject matter, and through depicting their
Chinese painting art shine uniquely on the world stage. postures, temperament and living conditions, they show the
literati's sentiments, talents and cultural cultivation. This
3.3. Character Paintings subject matter enriched the cultural connotation of Chinese
Figure painting in literati painting mainly takes the literati painting history and also provided rich artistic resources for
as the theme, takes the posture, temperament and living the creation of paintings in later generations.
condition of the literati as the object of creation, and expresses
the sentiment, talent and cultural cultivation of the literati. 4. Conclusion
This theme has a long tradition in the history of Chinese
In this paper, the origin, main stylistic features and creative
painting and has played an important role in promoting the
themes of literati painting are analyzed in depth. Through the
inheritance and development of ancient Chinese culture.
study of the unique art form of literati painting, we can see the
The subjects of figure paintings in literati paintings are
unique status and importance of literati painting in traditional
mainly literati, who are often characters with noble qualities
Chinese painting.
and outstanding talents. Most of these literati came from the
First of all, in terms of the origin of literati painting, we
ranks of scholars, officials, and literati, etc. They had high
find that it originated from the elegant hobbies of the ancient
aspirations and possessed talents, and were usually renowned
literati and scholars. Under the influence of Confucianism,
for their talent and learning. The figures in literati paintings
these literati pursued the "gentleman's style" and had a unique
are characterized by literati temperament, such as elegance,
pursuit of art and aesthetic standards. They combined natural
naturalness, innocence, aloofness and introspection.
scenery with their personal feelings and expressed their inner
The subjects of figures in literati paintings express the state
and outer communication and resonance through ink and
of life and spirituality of the literati. The Luoshen Fu Figure,
brush. This unique way of expressing art through personal
made by the famous painter Gu Kaizhi of the Eastern Jin
emotions became one of the main characteristics of literati
Dynasty, is 27.1 centimeters in length and 572.8 centimeters
painting.
in width, and is a long scroll consisting of several storylines
Secondly, in terms of the stylistic characteristics of literati
similar to a comic strip but integrated, but the original scroll
painting, we find that literati painting pursues the expression
is now lost. The Luoshen Fu painting is the first long scroll in
of mood rather than realistic depiction. Literati painting
traditional Chinese painting, and is regarded as the "originator
emphasizes "conveying feelings with meaning" and focuses
of Chinese painting". The main surviving works are four
on the use of brush and ink and the wholeness of form.
copies from the Song Dynasty, which are housed in the Palace
Through subtle expression, literati paintings do not stick to
Museum in Beijing (two), the Liaoning Provincial Museum,
details, but convey the mystery and beauty of the natural
and the Freer Gallery of Art in the United States. In ancient
world and the deep emotions of human hearts through
Chinese figure painting, the depiction of the figure is not only
imaginative techniques and artistic conception.
satisfied with the resemblance of appearance, but also focuses
Finally, in terms of the creative themes of literati paintings,
on the revelation of the character and inner world of the figure,
we find that the creative themes of literati paintings are wide
which is known as transmitting the spirit. The unique tradition
and deep. Literati paintings not only take natural scenery such
of ancient Chinese figure painting is also manifested in its
as landscapes, flowers, birds and animals as the objects of
ability to utilize the form of long scrolls to break through the
creation, but also involve social scenes such as elegance,

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figures, banquets, and even expand into various fields such as Acknowledgment
traditional culture and historical allusions. Through the
diversified choices of artistic themes, literati painting This work was supported in part by a grant from Graduate
demonstrated the extensive knowledge and depth of thought research innovation fund project of Anhui University of
of the Chinese literati, and provided works of artistic value Finance and Economic “Study on Zhu Liangzhi's aesthetic
and cultural connotation for future generations. thought of painting” (ACYC2022309).
To summarize, as a unique form of traditional Chinese
painting, literati painting has its distinctive features and far- References
reaching influence compared with other genres. By [1] Li Jun. From“Rice Point Landscape”“Ink play” on the literati
combining with nature, personal feelings and social painting“Jixing travel heart” interest [J]. The contending of
environment, literati painting expresses a unique artistic style literature and art, 2011(08):79-81.
and unique aesthetic concepts. At the same time, literati [2] Zhu Liangzhi. The sixteen views of southern painting [M].
painting also embodies the extensive knowledge and noble Beijing: Peking University Press. 2013. 136 - 140.
sentiments of Chinese literati, and carries rich historical and
[3] Geng tiehua. Reading Dr. Shi Jing's“The wind of time and the
cultural connotations. It is believed that through the active wind of art”[ J ] . Journal of Tonghua Normal
research and inheritance of literati painting, we will be able to University,2014,35(07):139-144.DOI:10.13877/j.cnki.cn22-
continuously promote the development and innovation of 1284.2014.07.004.
Chinese painting and contribute more wonderful works and
ideas to the world art world.

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