{"title":"Zhao Zhiqian","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"peony-zhao-zhiqian","title":"Peony - Zhao Zhiqian","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delicate ink and colour study of a peony branch, presented in a traditional folding fan format by the Qing Dynasty master Zhao Zhiqian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhao Zhiqian was a polymath of the late Qing Dynasty, recognised for his contributions to calligraphy, seal carving, and painting. This work, executed in the format of a folding fan, demonstrates his mastery of the xieyi (sketching the idea) style. Unlike the meticulous realism found in earlier court painting, Zhao employs a freer, more expressive brushwork that prioritises the spirit of the subject over strict anatomical accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features a peony branch extending across the fan surface. The artist uses varying ink tones to define the weight and texture of the leaves, while soft washes of colour provide form to the blossoms. The calligraphic quality of the stems and branches reveals Zhao's deep training in epigraphy, where the strength of the stroke is as important as the image itself. The negative space of the fan is balanced by the inclusion of vertical columns of calligraphy and red seal impressions, which are integral to the overall design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhao Zhiqian was known for his innovative approach to colour, often incorporating brighter pigments into traditional ink-wash compositions. This piece reflects that tendency, with the pale pinks of the petals offering a subtle contrast to the muted, earthy tones of the foliage and the paper ground. The fan format imposes a specific constraint on the artist, requiring a curved composition that flows naturally with the physical structure of the object. This work provides a clear example of the literati tradition, where painting serves as a vehicle for personal expression and scholarly refinement. The balance between the organic forms of the flora and the structured, rhythmic lines of the script creates a harmonious visual experience, typical of the high-level craftsmanship associated with Zhao's output during his mature period.\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=\"\/fr\/products\/narcissus-zhao-mengjian\" 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;\"\u003eNarcissus - Zhao Mengjian — Zhao Mengjian\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/herbaceous-peony-hu-yuan\" 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;\"\u003eHerbaceous Peony - Hu Yuan — Hu Gongshou\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zhao Zhiqian","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58963175276879,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58963387613519,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58963387646287,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58963387679055,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58963387711823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58963387744591,"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":58963387777359,"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":58963387810127,"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":58963387842895,"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":58963387875663,"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":58963387908431,"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":58963387941199,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Peony_Poster_CompositorV1_1790753963838.jpg?v=1790754884"},{"product_id":"couplet-in-seal-script-zhao-zhiqian","title":"Couplet in Seal Script - Zhao Zhiqian","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined pair of hanging scrolls featuring seal script calligraphy by the nineteenth-century Chinese master Zhao Zhiqian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work by Zhao Zhiqian (1829-1884) represents a refined example of nineteenth-century Chinese calligraphy. Zhao was a scholar, painter, and seal carver who gained recognition for his mastery of various scripts, particularly his synthesis of ancient epigraphic styles. This pair of hanging scrolls features characters executed in seal script (zhuanshu), a style that traces its origins to the Qin dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhao Zhiqian is known for his ability to infuse archaic scripts with a sense of movement and individual character. In this couplet, the brushwork displays a controlled tension, balancing the structural rigour required by the seal script with the fluidity of ink on paper. The characters are balanced within their vertical frames, demonstrating the artist's deep engagement with the formal qualities of ancient stone inscriptions. The ink density remains consistent, providing a visual weight that anchors the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a practitioner of the Jinshi school, Zhao sought to revitalise calligraphy by looking back to bronze and stone inscriptions. This approach moved away from the more conventional, rounded styles popular in the mid-Qing period. Instead, he favoured a more rugged, expressive line quality that prioritised the physical action of the brush. The inclusion of his signature and red seals provides both authentication and a visual counterpoint to the black ink characters. This piece serves as a clear demonstration of the technical precision and aesthetic philosophy that defined Zhao's later career. The work is presented as a pair, intended to be displayed together to maintain the balance of the poetic content and the visual rhythm of the script.\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=\"\/fr\/products\/willow-and-magpie-fachang-muqi\" 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;\"\u003eWillow and Magpie - Fachang Muqi — Fachang Muqi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/the-four-accomplishments-kano-shoei\" 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;\"\u003eThe Four Accomplishments - Kano Shōei — Kanō Shōei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zhao Zhiqian","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58967924572495,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58968313856335,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58968313889103,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58968313921871,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58968313954639,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58968313987407,"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":58968314020175,"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":58968314052943,"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":58968314085711,"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":58968314118479,"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":58968314151247,"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":58968314184015,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Couplet-in-Seal-Script_Poster_CompositorV1_1790787132236.jpg?v=1790788345"},{"product_id":"peonies-zhao-zhiqian","title":"Peonies - Zhao Zhiqian","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined ink and colour study of peonies by the late Qing master Zhao Zhiqian, featuring expressive brushwork and traditional calligraphic elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhao Zhiqian was a polymath of the late Qing period, known for his contributions to calligraphy, seal carving, and painting. This work exemplifies his approach to the bird-and-flower genre, which moved away from the rigid academic styles of the era toward a more expressive, calligraphic method. The composition features two peony blossoms, one rendered in soft coral tones and the other in a muted white, set against a sparse background. The leaves are executed with confident, wet ink washes that demonstrate his mastery of brush control and tonal variation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inclusion of a lengthy calligraphic inscription at the top of the scroll is characteristic of the literati tradition, where poetry and painting function as a unified aesthetic experience. The text provides context for the work, grounding the visual elements in the intellectual pursuits of the artist. Zhao Zhiqian often utilised bold colour applications, a technique he refined by observing the works of earlier masters while injecting his own stylistic sensibilities. His ability to balance the weight of the ink with the delicacy of the floral forms creates a sense of equilibrium on the paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print captures the subtle textures of the original ink and colour on paper. The muted palette reflects the natural ageing of the materials, while the brushwork remains clear and precise. As a representative piece of nineteenth-century Chinese art, it offers a view into the technical rigour and artistic philosophy of a period defined by both tradition and individual innovation. The work is suitable for those interested in the history of East Asian ink painting and the development of the literati style during the late Qing dynasty.\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=\"\/fr\/products\/album-of-calligraphy-and-paintings-geese-and-reeds-bian-shoumin\" 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;\"\u003eAlbum of Calligraphy and Paintings (Geese and Reeds) - Bian Shoumin — Bian Shoumin\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/lotuses-on-a-summer-evening-yun-shouping\" 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;\"\u003eLotuses on a Summer Evening - Yun Shouping — Yun Shouping\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zhao Zhiqian","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58969681428815,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58969928597839,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58969928630607,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58969928663375,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58969928696143,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58969928728911,"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":58969928761679,"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":58969928794447,"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":58969928827215,"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":58969928859983,"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":58969928892751,"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":58969928925519,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Peonies_Poster_CompositorV1_1790794779645.jpg?v=1790799107"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/fr\/collections\/zhao-zhiqian.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}