The artwork titled “Lychee fruit,” crafted by Qi Baishi in 1940, belongs to the Ink and wash painting art movement and resides within the still life genre. The piece prominently features an arrangement of lychees, an oft-celebrated subject within Qi Baishi’s repertoire.
In the artwork, a basket filled with luscious lychee fruits takes center stage, rendered in vibrant red hues to capture the natural allure and texture of the fruits. The delicate strokes and washes exhibit a masterful blend of traditionally refined techniques with expressive vigor, reflecting a deep appreciation for both the fine details and broader essence of the subject. The basket, drawn with intentional simplicity, frames the lychees, offering an anchoring motif of homely tranquility and abundant nature. Accompanying calligraphic inscriptions add an additional dimension, seamlessly merging visual and literary arts, emblematic of Qi Baishi’s distinctive style.
