INTRO: Chinese & JApanese writing & Pictures
SUMI-E is the Japanese word for Black Ink Painting. East Asian Painting and writing developed together in ancient China over 2000 years ago using the same materials —brush and ink on paper. Emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush. The Chinese speak of “writing a painting” and “painting a poem.” A great painting was judged on three elements: the calligraphy strokes, the words of the poetry or Haikus (often with double meanings and subtle puns) and the ability of the painting strokes to capture the spirit (Ch’i) of nature rather than a photographic likeness. The artists of Japan, Korea and Malaysia learned from the Chinese and then developed their own versions of East Asian brush painting.
Japanese sumi e - The Four gentleman
The Four Gentlemen refers to four subjects that most painting students learn first because they include all of the basic strokes. They also represent the four seasons:
1. Bamboo - Summer - symbol of endurance and flexibility
2. Chrysanthemum (mumms) - Fall - symbol of strength & perseverance
Link to demo:: https://manasquan-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/npagano_manasquan_k12_nj_us/EXTgSwsT9nFHmmEF2IrH4isBLOvn18lSxlIjb_lGRIt10Q?e=xft4OG
3. Plum - the first flower to break winter’s hold- Winter - symbol of the joy of renewal and the promise of life.
4. Orchid - Spring - symbol of the bright promise of beauty. - Spring - symbol of the bright promise of beauty.
Japanese sumi e - The Four treasures
The tools which are essential are called the Four Treasures. These are the ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper.
