Sumi-e The Art of Asian Ink Painting

Gustavo MirandaOlympia Heights Elementary

Miami, FL

Origins Sumi-e is Japanese for “ink picture” Started in China 200 – 300 AD Originated from calligraphy 13th century traveled with Zen monks to

Japan and Korea Samurai Warriors, part of the Bushido Code Influenced many artists:

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Mary Cassatt

Representation Painting represents the “Chi” of the subject

“One must be the rose, to paint the rose” The Four Gentlemen are four brushstroke

techniques to lay a painting foundation. The Four Gentlemen: Orchid, Bamboo,

Plum Branch, and Chrysanthemum The Four Gentlemen, which are the four

seasons and four desirable personality traits based on Confucian way of thinking.

BambooThe bamboo (take)

represents summer season. The bamboo symbolizes vitality, enduring strength, integrity.

The bamboo has straight, high towering up branches, its evergreen leaves and its amazing flexibility.

OrchidThe orchid (ran)

represents spring. The graceful wild orchid corresponds with the Eastern ideal picture of a woman. The orchid symbolizes elegance and simplicity.

PlumThe plum (ume) represents winter. The plum symbolizes "a man with great character", an active, positively turned towards life, elderly person.

Fragile flowers appear in springtime on its knobby, twisted branches.

ChrysanthemumThe chrysanthemum

(kiku) represents autumn. The chrysanthemum exemplifies admirable qualities.

Until today the Chrysanthemum is the royal symbol of the Japanese emperor-house.