Read on for more information about these fascinating subjects and how you can sign up today!
Painting
In China, the traditional style of painting is called ‘Guohua’ 国画 (‘national paintings’) to distinguish it from Western styles of painting such as oil painting. There are two main types of Guohua: ‘Gongbi’ 工筆, which uses colour ink in small amounts and is extremely detailed with fine brushwork; and ‘Shuimo’ 水墨, which uses either black ink in various concentrations or coloured ink and is usually done in a freer style, using few brush strokes and details but conveying the essence of the subject instead. Both styles commonly depict animals, flowers or figures, with landscapes considered the highest form of painting.
The earliest Chinese ‘paintings’ are geometric patterns found on pottery, and it was only during the Warring States Period (475-221BC) that paintings began to represent the world around the artist. From the Eastern Jin dynasty (266-420) onwards, painting became highly appreciated and being able to paint well was considered essential for any well-educated scholar or aristocrat. Up to the Tang dynasty (618-907), there was a focus on painting the human figure, but after this time landscapes became more popular, including the famous ‘Shanshui’ 山水 paintings (called ‘mountain and water’ because the subject is usually landscapes).
The ‘Four Treasures of the Study’ are the main tools used for both calligraphy and painting (in fact, traditionally the two went hand in hand, and the influence of calligraphic techniques can be seen in many ‘Shuimo’ 水墨 paintings). They are the brush, usually made of animal hair, the ink, made of soot mixed with glue, paper (or sometimes silk) and an inkstone, which the dry ink was ground on and mixed with water.
In this class, you’ll learn about the history of Chinese painting and the tools used, and look at some famous examples. You’ll practice some techniques and common motifs before making your own painting on a piece of card ready for framing!
Papercutting
Papercutting is one of China’s most famous folk arts. Probably originating sometime in the 2nd century, its possible that the techniques had already formed through cutting other materials, such as leather, even before the invention of paper by Cao Lun in 104CE. Due to paper’s perishable nature, few papercuts are preserved in the archaeological record. The oldest are five papercuts dated to the Southern and Northern dynasties (420 to 589) found in Xinjiang, where the dry climate helped preserve the delicate paper.
Papercutting is done using folded paper and scissors or a sharp knife. The most common motifs are auspicious characters (for example, double xi 喜 for wedding blessings or fu 福 for good luck at Chinese New Year), zodiac animals, birds and flowers. Almost all motifs have another meaning behind them, for example, the combination of magpies and plum blossom signifies ‘joy filling you up to your eyebrows’ (喜上眉梢). As papercutter Ms. Duan told us however, ultimately “the papercutter can create something from their own imagination”.
In this class you’ll learn how to cut some common characters and motifs under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
As well as these two workshops, participants will enjoy a presentation on the language and history of Chinese painting and papercutting, Chinese tea and snacks, and join us at a local restaurant for a delicious dinner of Chinese dumplings!
Event Schedule
13:00 – Pickup from Sanlitun (Tuanjiehu)
14:00 – Arrive, have tea and snacks, welcome talk
14:00 – 15:30 – Chinese painting class
15.30-16.00 – Tea Break
16:00 – 17.30 – Chinese papercutting class
18:00 -19.00 – Dinner
19:15 – Head back to the city
20:15 – Arrive Tuanjiehu
All of the above, including transportation, snacks, drinks, materials, activities, dinner and native-English speaking hosts, can be booked for just 528RMB per person/988RMB for 2 people. Place are limited to 6 people. You’ll be able to take home the awesome works of art you created to impress friends and family!
Chinese Culture Workshop with Cultural Keys
Date: Sunday November 18th 2018
Location: CK Culture Centre – Songzhuang, Tongzhou
Pickup: 1pm at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D)
Drop off: 8.15pm at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D)
Places: Limited to 6 people
Price: 528RMB per person/988RMB for 2 people
Payment: Prepayment via WeChat, Alipay, bank transfer or cash at our office
Alternatively, if you would like to book a private culture workshop event for yourself and a group of up to 6 people, feel free to get in contact. We’ll be happy to arrange it for you!
For more information about this culture workshop, or to book a private workshop for your friends, family or colleagues, please email us at events@culturalkeys.cn
If you have any questions, or would like to confirm your place, please add NicD1280 on WeChat. Please note that we do have a cat and dogs on the premises, so if you are allergic to either, this event might not be suitable for you.
We look forward to having you join us for this exciting cultural event!
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About Us
Are you interested in learning more about the traditional culture of China, and perhaps experiencing it for yourself? Since 2013, Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre has been helping people doing exactly that.
Through our provision of content, classes, information and services, Cultural Keys helps people access, understand and experience the traditional culture of China, from kung fu to calligraphy, feng shui to painting. Click here to read more about Cultural Keys and what we can do for you, your school, company or organisation to help you get more out of your time in China.
For more information about anything on this page, please contact us or use the form below to let us know your specific requirements.
We look forward to hearing from you!