Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of six 20th-century Chinese painting masters who depicted Qingcheng Mountain, emphasizing their contributions to both the mountain's artistic representation and the wealth of Chinese art as a whole [1][2][3]. Group 1: Overview of Qingcheng Mountain - Qingcheng Mountain, located in Sichuan, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its unique natural beauty and cultural significance as the birthplace of Taoism [2]. - The mountain's serene environment has inspired numerous artists, making it a revered location for artistic creation [2]. Group 2: Criteria for Selection of Masters - The article defines the 20th-century painting masters based on three criteria: recognition in the art community, auction prices of their works exceeding 30 million yuan, and having created works depicting Qingcheng Mountain [3][4]. - Six masters meet these criteria: Huang Binhong, Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Lu Yanshao, Guan Shanyue, and He Haixia [3][4]. Group 3: Individual Contributions of Masters Huang Binhong - Huang Binhong (1865-1955) is noted for his significant contributions to modern Chinese landscape painting, particularly his works inspired by Qingcheng Mountain [6][7]. - His painting "Qingcheng Sitting in Rain" (1933) exemplifies his innovative techniques and deep appreciation for nature [11][12]. - Huang's auction record includes a piece sold for 345 million yuan, showcasing his high market value [6][18]. Xu Beihong - Xu Beihong (1895-1953) is recognized for integrating Western realism into Chinese art, with notable works created during his stay at Qingcheng Mountain in 1943 [24][25]. - His painting "Ginkgo Tree" reflects his artistic style and personal experiences during his time in Qingcheng [26][27]. - Xu's works have also achieved high auction prices, with one piece selling for 266.8 million yuan [24]. Zhang Daqian - Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) is celebrated for his diverse artistic talents and significant influence on modern Chinese painting, particularly during his time in Qingcheng [30][31]. - His work "Qingcheng Mountain Overview" (1962) is a landmark piece that showcases his innovative ink wash techniques [37][38]. - Zhang's auction results are impressive, with his works commanding prices in the hundreds of millions [31][39]. He Haixia - He Haixia (1908-1998) is known for his contributions to the Long'an School of painting and his works inspired by Qingcheng Mountain during his time with Zhang Daqian [44][45]. - His painting "In the Picture" captures the essence of Qingcheng's landscape and has been well-received in auctions [46][47]. Lu Yanshao - Lu Yanshao (1909-1993) is recognized for his unique brushwork and techniques, having created numerous works inspired by Qingcheng Mountain [54]. - His experiences in Qingcheng during the late 1930s and 1980s significantly influenced his artistic output [54].

Core Points - The articles highlight the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival through historical artworks and poetry, showcasing the emotional depth and artistic expression of ancient scholars [6][10][12]. Group 1: Zhao Ji's "Lunar Mid-Autumn Poem" - Zhao Ji, also known as Emperor Huizong of Song, composed a poem titled "Lunar Mid-Autumn" during a moonlit night, reflecting on nature's beauty and personal feelings [8]. - The poem is characterized by elegant language and a harmonious blend of natural imagery and personal sentiment, written in Zhao Ji's unique "slender gold" calligraphy style [9]. - The artwork, measuring 44.5 cm in width and 35 cm in height, features 7 lines and 60 characters, showcasing a distinct calligraphic style that combines strength and grace [9]. Group 2: Shen Zhou's "Moon Viewing at Youzhu Villa" - Shen Zhou created "Moon Viewing at Youzhu Villa" in 1486, inviting friends to enjoy the Mid-Autumn night, which reflects his complex emotions about the passage of time [10][11]. - The artwork includes a preface written by a friend and a poem by Shen Zhou, emphasizing the interplay of poetry, calligraphy, and painting [11]. - Youzhu Villa, a significant cultural gathering place for scholars, is depicted in Shen Zhou's work, highlighting its historical importance [10]. Group 3: Wen Zhengming's "Jinling Mid-Autumn Poem" - Wen Zhengming's poem "Jinling Mid-Autumn" captures the beauty of a post-rain autumn night in Jinling (Nanjing), using vivid imagery to express nostalgia [12][13]. - The poem's first line uses "Chang'an" as a literary device to refer to Jinling, emphasizing the city's historical significance [13]. - The calligraphy, measuring 141.8 cm in height and 68.8 cm in width, showcases Wen Zhengming's mastery of various calligraphic styles, particularly in running script [14].

Core Insights - The article discusses the cultural significance and artistic representation of crabs in Chinese art, particularly focusing on the works of renowned artists Qi Baishi and Xu Wei, highlighting their unique styles and the emotional depth behind their paintings [7][10][12]. Group 1: Qi Baishi's Crab Paintings - Qi Baishi is recognized as a master in painting crabs, often depicting river crabs influenced by his childhood experiences in rural Hunan [7][9]. - His crab paintings evolved through three distinct periods: initial learning (1890-1918), reform (1919-1933), and maturity (1934-1957), showcasing a progression from imitation to a more expressive and refined style [8][9]. - Qi Baishi's works are characterized by a lively and playful representation of crabs, capturing their essence through careful observation and innovative brushwork [9][12]. Group 2: Xu Wei's Crab Paintings - Xu Wei's approach to crab painting reflects his tumultuous life experiences, using crabs as a medium to express his frustrations and emotions [10][11]. - His painting "Yellow Crab" exemplifies his bold and free-spirited style, employing dynamic brush strokes to convey the crab's form and character, while also hinting at his personal struggles [11][12]. - Xu Wei's influence on Chinese painting is profound, with his expressive style serving as a model for future generations of artists [12]. Group 3: Cultural Context of Crab Consumption - The article highlights the historical appreciation of crabs in Chinese cuisine, with references to ancient literary figures who celebrated the delicacy of crabs in their writings [13][14]. - Notable figures like Li Yu emphasized the importance of enjoying crabs in their natural state, advocating for simple preparation methods that preserve their flavor [14]. - The seasonal availability of crabs aligns with cultural festivities, making them a significant part of autumn celebrations in China [14][15].

Core Insights - The article discusses the historical significance and evolution of ultramarine, a vibrant blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli, highlighting its journey from a rare luxury to a widely used color in art and industry [1][2] Group 1: Historical Context - Ultramarine originated from lapis lazuli, primarily sourced from Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Afghan lapis being renowned for its quality [1] - In Europe, during the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, ultramarine symbolized holiness and nobility, often used in depictions of the Virgin Mary by masters like Giovanni Bellini, Da Vinci, and Raphael [1] - The pigment was extremely expensive, comparable to gold, leading to delays in artworks due to supply issues, as seen with Michelangelo [1] Group 2: Cultural Significance - In ancient China, lapis lazuli traveled along the Silk Road and was cherished by emperors, being used in Buddhist temples and referred to as "Buddha blue" [2] - Notable Chinese artworks, such as the murals in Dunhuang and Wang Ximeng's "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains," prominently featured ultramarine, adding a sense of mystery and solemnity [2] Group 3: Technological Advancements - The invention of synthetic ultramarine in the 19th century revolutionized the pigment's availability, making it affordable and widely used across various fields, including painting and coatings [2] - This transition from a rare treasure to a common color reflects the intersection of art, history, and technology, showcasing humanity's relentless pursuit of beauty [2]