Chinese painting is an important part of traditional Chinese art. People all over the world know it for its special artistic charm and deep cultural meanings. We can mainly divide Chinese painting into two types: meticulous brushwork (gongbi) and freehand brushwork (xieyi). They are quite different in painting skills, ways of expression and artistic styles.
Meticulous brushwork (gongbi) is a skill in traditional Chinese painting. It has fine lines and soft colors. It focuses on showing natural scenery in a realistic way.
When artists create gongbi paintings, they use tools like brushes, ink and Xuan paper. They use good painting skills and careful composition. This helps them show the shape, color, texture and sense of space of the things they paint.
Gongbi pays much attention to detailed description. It tries to get a perfect and beautiful effect. Its lines are smooth and fine. Its colors are bright but soft. This makes people feel fresh and natural.
Meanwhile, gongbi artists need to observe and truly get the stuff they’re painting. They use delicate ways of expression to let people see nature’s beauty and vitality.
Freehand brushwork (xieyi) is another important type of Chinese painting. It focuses on showing the painter's inner thoughts and passing on emotions. It does not follow the rule of showing things in a realistic way.
Artists of xieyi often use painting skills like splashing ink and dotting. It has a bold, unrestrained and free artistic style. It tries to create a lively artistic idea and spirit.
The composition and expressive skills of xieyi are quite free and flexible. It does not stick to fixed patterns and rules. Through good painting skills and a unique artistic style, painters put their emotions and thoughts into the painting.
It creates a unique artistic effect and mood. The lines in xieyi are bold and not held back. The colors are brave and overdone. They let viewers feel a strong visual impact and deep emotions.
Gongbi and xieyi are both important parts of traditional Chinese painting. But they are quite different in painting skills, ways of expression and artistic styles.
Gongbi focuses on showing scenery in a realistic way and describing details. But xieyi focuses on showing the painter's inner thoughts and passing on emotions. Gongbi tries to make its composition perfect and beautiful. But xieyi tries to create a lively and vivid artistic idea and spirit.
The painting tools and materials of gongbi and xieyi are also different. Gongbi mainly uses tools like brushes, ink and Xuan paper. But xieyi can use many different brushstrokes and materials. For example, it uses painting skills like splashing ink and dotting.
About Us
Founded in Shanghai, China, Sigurai later expanded its gallery to Hangzhou—two cities that boast profound cultural heritage and a thriving community of creative local artists. This unique advantage allows us to continuously discover fresh, original artworks that carry the essence of Chinese creativity.
Every decorative painting we offer is a hand-painted original, complete with the artist’s hand-signed signature—ensuring no two pieces are identical. From curating artworks and conducting strict quality checks to providing professional framing, we adhere to high standards at every step to guarantee excellence. Many of our collaborating artists have showcased their works in international exhibitions, and their pieces are also collected by government institutions, a testament to their artistic value and recognition.
No matter where you are in the world, we can safely deliver your chosen artwork right to your door. You don’t need to worry about shipping logistics; simply select a piece that resonates with you, and let these unique creations by Chinese artists add a special touch to your space.
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