Landscapes after old masters - Du Xiang

A traditional ink wash painting by Du Xiang, featuring a textured rock formation and delicate bamboo stalks rendered with precise brushwork.

This work by Du Xiang follows the established tradition of Chinese ink wash painting, where the artist engages with the techniques and compositions of historical masters. The composition features a prominent rock formation, rendered with textured brushwork that suggests geological age and weight. Beside the stone, slender bamboo stalks rise, their leaves depicted with precise, rhythmic strokes that demonstrate the artist's control over the brush and ink density.

The palette remains restrained, relying on varying concentrations of ink to create depth and volume. Subtle washes of light colour are applied to the bark of the tree and the contours of the rock, providing a gentle contrast to the darker, more concentrated ink used for the foliage and the rock's surface details. The negative space surrounding the subjects is utilised to maintain a sense of balance and clarity, a common feature in classical Chinese compositions.

Du Xiang employs a calligraphic approach to mark-making, where every stroke serves a dual purpose: describing the physical form of the natural elements and expressing the energy of the artist's hand. The inclusion of red seals provides a visual anchor, identifying the work and adding a small, deliberate point of colour. This piece reflects the practice of studying earlier styles to refine one's own technical proficiency. The focus is on the interplay between the solid, weathered rock and the flexible, resilient bamboo, a pairing that carries symbolic weight in the history of East Asian art. The paper texture remains visible, contributing to the organic quality of the final image. This print captures the nuances of the original ink work, preserving the delicate tonal transitions and the specific character of the brushwork.