{"title":"Zhao Zhiqian","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"peony-zhao-zhiqian","title":"Peony - Zhao Zhiqian","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delicate fan painting featuring a peony in soft pinks and greens, accompanied by traditional Chinese calligraphy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fan painting by Zhao Zhiqian displays the artist's mastery of the bird-and-flower genre, a tradition he revitalised during the late Qing Dynasty. The composition is specifically designed for the fan format, with the floral subject occupying the left side and balanced by a column of elegant calligraphy on the right. The peony, a symbol of prosperity and honour in Chinese culture, is rendered with soft, layered washes of pink and crimson. The central stamens are picked out in precise, pale yellow dots, providing a subtle contrast to the broader strokes of the petals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage is executed in muted, earthy greens, suggesting a naturalistic weight and movement. Zhao Zhiqian was known for his synthesis of epigraphy and painting, a quality visible in the strength and rhythm of the ink characters. The background features a textured, golden-toned paper, which provides a warm surface for the pigments to sit upon. The inclusion of red seal impressions adds a formal, scholarly character to the work, grounding the aesthetic in the tradition of the literati painter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhao Zhiqian often utilised his background in seal carving to inform his brushwork, resulting in lines that possess both fluidity and structural integrity. This piece demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of a plant without resorting to excessive detail. The balance between the negative space of the fan and the organic forms of the peony creates a sense of harmony. As a functional object transformed into a canvas, this work reflects the refined tastes of the nineteenth-century Chinese elite. It remains a clear example of the artist's approach to combining poetry, calligraphy, and painting into a unified visual statement.\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=\"\/it\/products\/peony-fan-painting-wang-wu\" 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;\"\u003ePeony (Fan Painting) by Wang Wu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/products\/narcissus-wang-guxiang\" 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 by Wang Guxiang\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/collections\/zhao-zhiqian\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eZhao Zhiqian artwork →\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\/packshot_Poster_1791992124799.jpg?v=1791992127"},{"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=\"\/it\/products\/couplet-calligraphy-zhou-lianggong\" 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;\"\u003eCouplet (Calligraphy) by Zhou Lianggong\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/products\/running-script-calligraphic-couplet-liang-tongshu\" 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;\"\u003eRunning-script Calligraphic Couplet - Liang Tongshu by Liang Tung-shu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/collections\/zhao-zhiqian\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMore by Zhao Zhiqian →\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=\"\/it\/products\/plum-in-snow-liu-shiru\" 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;\"\u003ePlum in Snow by Liu Shiru\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/products\/narcissus-wang-guxiang\" 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 by Wang Guxiang\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/it\/collections\/zhao-zhiqian\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMore by Zhao Zhiqian →\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\/it\/collections\/zhao-zhiqian.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}