Splashed Ink (潑墨) is a dynamic and expressive technique in traditional Chinese ink painting. It involves ink's spontaneous and free application to create abstract, fluid, and often unpredictable forms. The technique emphasizes spirit and emotional resonance over precise detail, aligning with the philosophical values of Taoism (道教) and Zen Buddhism (禪宗).

沒骨畫, or “Boneless Painting”, is a traditional East Asian painting technique that originated in China. The style emphasizes creating forms without outlines, relying on washes of ink or color to define shapes. Instead of precise contours, the focus is on capturing the spirit (神韻) and essence of the subject, resulting in a soft and natural appearance.

East Asian painting encompasses a rich tapestry of philosophies and artistic principles that have developed over centuries. Rooted in Chinese traditions and later adapted by Japanese and Korean cultures, these philosophies reflect shared values of harmony, nature, and spiritual expression, while each region developed its unique artistic identity.

Traditional Chinese animal painting is a significant genre within Chinese art, reflecting the deep cultural, philosophical, and symbolic connections between humans and animals. Often created using traditional techniques such as ink and wash (水墨画) or gongbi (工笔, meticulous brushwork), these paintings are rich in symbolic meanings and serve to convey moral lessons, philosophical ideas, and expressions of beauty in nature.

Chinese Ink Wash Painting (水墨画, Shui Mo Hua) is a traditional style of painting that uses black ink and water as the primary medium. Originating during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), it has been a cornerstone of Chinese art, embodying the principles of simplicity, harmony, and spirituality. Rooted in Daoist, Confucian, and Zen Buddhist philosophies, it prioritizes the essence and spirit of a subject over its realistic details.

Learn how to distinguish between Japanese sumi-e (ink painting) and Chinese shui mo hua (水墨画, ink-wash painting). They share many similarities due to their historical and cultural connections.

Sumi-e (墨絵) is a traditional Japanese art form that emphasizes simplicity, balance, and the essence of the subject. It evolved from Chinese ink-wash painting (水墨画) and was deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism. Sumi-e uses black ink, water, and brush techniques to create dynamic and expressive artworks.