Gongbi Painting: Traditional Chinese Realistic Painting

As the Gongbi painting developed, a complete technique system was found.

1) Lines

Lines are the cornerstone of Gongbi paintings as they depict the contour of the figural and narrative objects. The lines should be fine, smooth and be drawn in earnest.

2) Colors

The color scheme should be based on the natural colors of the objects. The colors should give a sense of pleasure, elegance and equanimity. But sometimes, flamboyant colors are also used to accentuate the lines and contents.

Gongbi Painters

Zhang Xuan (Chinese: 张萱) (713–755) was a Chinese painter who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). He painted many pieces of art，most of which focused on the noble family, kids and horses. But none of his paintings have been able to survive to this day.

Spring Outing of the Tang Court, by Zhang Xuan

The most well-know painting may be Court Ladies Preparing Newly-Woven Silk, a single copy painted by Emperor Huizong of the Song (r. 1100–1125) in the early 12th century. He also painted the Spring Outing of the Tang Court.