{"title":"Xu Wei","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"chrysanthemums-and-bamboos-xu-wei","title":"Chrysanthemums and Bamboos - Xu Wei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ink wash painting by Ming Dynasty artist Xu Wei, featuring expressive brushwork of chrysanthemums and bamboo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXu Wei, a prominent figure of the late Ming Dynasty, is recognised for his unconventional approach to ink wash painting. This work, Chrysanthemums and Bamboos, demonstrates his mastery of the 'xieyi' or 'sketching ideas' style. Rather than aiming for precise botanical accuracy, Xu Wei employs rapid, fluid brushwork to capture the essence of the subjects. The ink varies in density, moving from deep, saturated blacks to light, watery washes, which creates a sense of atmosphere and movement across the paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is balanced through the placement of the tall, vertical chrysanthemum stem against the more diffuse, sweeping forms of the bamboo leaves. The empty space, or 'ma', is an active component of the work, allowing the viewer to focus on the energy of the brushstrokes. The inclusion of calligraphy in the upper right quadrant is integral to the piece, as it provides a poetic context and balances the visual weight of the flora below. The red seals, placed with care, act as visual anchors that contrast with the monochromatic ink tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXu Wei's technique reflects his personal philosophy and his status as a scholar-artist. His work often conveys a sense of spontaneity and emotional intensity, departing from the more rigid academic standards of his time. By focusing on the expressive potential of the brush and ink, he created a visual language that prioritises internal state over external representation. This print captures the subtle gradations of the original ink, preserving the texture of the paper and the nuances of the artist's hand. It is a piece that rewards close observation, revealing the speed and confidence with which each stroke was applied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/banana-bamboo-chrysanthemums-and-orchids-shitao\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eBanana, Bamboo, Chrysanthemums, and Orchids - Shitao — Shitao\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flowers-and-grasses-of-autumn-yamamoto-baiitsu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eFlowers and Grasses of Autumn - Yamamoto Baiitsu — Yamamoto Baiitsu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Xu Wei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58807931404623,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58808000086351,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58808000119119,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808000151887,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808000184655,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808000217423,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808000250191,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808000282959,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808000315727,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808000348495,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808000381263,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808000414031,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Chrysanthemums-and-Bamboos_Poster_CompositorV1_1789666448010.jpg?v=1789667129"},{"product_id":"wang-xizhi-watching-geese-xu-wei","title":"Wang Xizhi Watching Geese - Xu Wei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ink wash painting by Ming Dynasty master Xu Wei, depicting the calligrapher Wang Xizhi observing geese in a natural setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ink wash painting by Xu Wei depicts the legendary calligrapher Wang Xizhi in a moment of quiet observation. The composition follows the traditional literati style, where the artist prioritises expressive brushwork over precise anatomical detail. Xu Wei, known for his unconventional life and bold, spontaneous technique, employs varying ink tones to define the rocky terrain and the foliage surrounding the figure. The scene captures Wang Xizhi, a historical figure from the Eastern Jin period, who was famously fond of geese, believing their neck movements informed his calligraphic style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is characterised by the artist's signature 'splashed ink' approach. The lines defining the figures are minimal and fluid, allowing the viewer to focus on the interaction between the subject and his environment. The large, dark ink washes of the rock formation provide a visual anchor, contrasting with the lighter, more delicate strokes used for the figures and the surrounding vegetation. The inclusion of calligraphy in the upper left section is an integral part of the composition, balancing the visual weight of the rock and providing context to the narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXu Wei's approach to this subject reflects the Ming Dynasty interest in personal expression and the rejection of rigid academic standards. The painting does not aim for photographic accuracy, but rather seeks to convey the spirit of the subject through economy of line and tone. The paper surface remains largely visible, acting as a neutral space that allows the ink to breathe. This piece is a representative example of the expressive potential of Chinese ink painting, where the artist's hand is visible in every stroke, conveying a sense of immediacy and intellectual engagement with historical themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/memory-of-a-voyage-rene-magritte\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMemory of a Voyage - René Magritte — René Magritte\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/crooked-pine-wu-zhen-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eCrooked Pine - Wu Zhen — Wu Zhen\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Xu Wei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58808033018191,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58808038588751,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58808038621519,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808038654287,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808038687055,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808038719823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808038752591,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808038785359,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808038818127,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58808038850895,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58808038883663,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58808038916431,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Wang-Xizhi-Watching-Geese_Poster_CompositorV1_1789667903057.jpg?v=1789668134"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/collections\/xu-wei.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}