Qin in Art

The division between categories 2 and 3 is similar to that with qin poetry and song, with qin poetry (poems that mention qin) corresponding to qin in art, and qin songs (lyrics that accompany qin melodies) corresponding to art which can be used to illustrate a specific qin melody. The qin is a very common motif in traditional landscapes, but the latter category is also quite considerable, and it is the latter which this website emphasizes.

Deriving inspiration from looking at artists' impressions of the themes of melodies can be related to the ancient idea of taking this inspiration from nature itself. Perhaps the earliest narration of this concept is the famous story (told with the melody Shui Xian) in which Cheng Lian teaches Boya to play qin by leaving him alone on a deserted island. Some years ago, I experienced my own version of this story. After playing qin for several old qin players, I asked for advice on how to improve my technique. One said, "Visit relevant beauty spots in China." The others seemed to nod their heads in agreement.

Art with themes shared by qin melodies can bring similar inspiration.

If no indication is given (usually by a link) of the current location of the original of an image on this site, then it is probably in my personal collection.

Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1. Painting by Liu Jian, Vice President, China Academy of Art, Hangzhou
劉健教授，中國美術學院副院長，杭州 (Return)

2. Added 2007. Not yet developed: suggestions welcomed. (Return)

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