Beijing

The Four Treasures of the Study : The four treasures apply for both calligraphy and painting but were first mentioned in connection with the scholars occupation with intellectual pursuit. The treasures are: Brush, Paper (Xuan Paper see under Paper category), Ink (Ink stick), and Ink Slab.

Gong Bi : A style in painting done with fine brushes and meticulous technique. Gong Bi, literally meaning 'laborious brush' stresses realism in depiction. usually Gong Bi paintings are highly ornamental and refined, giving the work an aristocratic and haughty aura. Gong bi paintings became particularly popular in the Flower-and-Bird painting but can also be applied in figure painting and less frequently in Landscape painting. 

Xie Yi: literally meaning 'writing the meaning', Xie Yi is a style of painting that is usually contrasted with the Gong Bi style. The Xie Yi style is the impulsive and expressionistic trend of Chinese painting, it stresses the artist's ability to convey the spirit of the subject matter instead of depicting things realistically. The Xie Yi style originates in the art of Chinese calligraphy where brush work and expression of emotions are of primary importance. The Xie Yi style of painting became the most popular form of painting in China, and if executed successfully, is usually seen as the highest achievement a painter can reach.

The Xie Yi style is divided into 'Da' Xie Yi (big Xie Yi) and 'Xiao' Xie Yi (small Xie Yi). the small style is based on small brush strokes which compose a rather detailed picture, while the big style is based on huge and swift brush strokes which simplify the subject trying to capture its inner essence. The Da Xie Yi style is considered to be the highest form of Chinese painting and was mastered by great painters such as Xu Wei of the of the Ming Dynasty, Bada Shanren of the Qing Dynasty and Wu Changshuo and Qi Baishi of the early 20th century.

Blue and Green Landscape painting: This style of landscape painting was mainly popular during the Tang Dynasty and was well represented by the art of the father and son Li Sixun and Li Zhaodao, also known as the two Li's. the Blue and Green landscape painting is ornamental in nature, usually done with fine outlines colored in carefully with tones of blue and green. Out lines were also highlighted with gold giving the painting a strong decorative character. The Blue and Green landscaped stayed popular throughout Chinese history but were always seen as inferior to the Literati paintings.

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