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Gongbi is
one of China's earliest forms of painting. Its style is marked
by meticulous brush technique that delimits details very precisely and
without independent or expressive variation. The paintings are characterized by
strong-color realism.
The Gongbi style had its beginnings
approximately 2000 years ago in China during the Han Dynasty when the political
stability and prosperity favoured the advancement of the arts.
Gongbi paintings reached its peak between the Tang and Song Dynasties
(618 AD - 1279 AD) where these paintings were endorsed and collected
by the Royal families in China. This style of art was
usually accomplished in secret in royal palaces and private homes.
Gongbi
paintings are done on rice paper or silk with ink and/or colours.
The technique requires great care and grace; the strict composition
has very fine elaboration. The effect is highly decorative.
Traditionally, Gongbi
paintings feature extravagant and detailed
flowers and birds. These intricate drawings demand total concentration
and the greatest of artistic ability. The Gongbi artists must
totally commit themselves to the Gongbi techniques in order to perfect
this style. Depending on the theme and size of the design, it
can take an experienced Gongbi artist 5 to 8 days of work to complete
a Gongbi painting.
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