The Study Of “Reproduction Of Meaning”in Wang Hui's Painting Theory

As one of the remarkable landscape painters in the early Qing Dynasty,Wang Hui put forward a theory focusing on reproduction of meaning which has been mainly concentrated in the work named Qinghui about paintings,and other works.His theory is based on Yuan techniques—representative professional skills,Song structure—layout from Song painters and Tang style—verve following gorgeous Tang.Being an expert at imitating predecessors' masterpiece for a long time,Wang Hui formed his own understanding and style of painting excluding prejudice between the North and the South painters.Besides,he also drew a concise conclusion on painting which was illustrated from three perspectives—techniques,structure and style,saying that painting should be based on Yuan techniques,Song structure and Tang style,combining with each other.First and foremost,in terms of relationship between reproduction of meaning and techniques,Wang Hui's theory pointed out that the objective,the method and the effect are what matters.Wang Hui expounded his pointview that techniques is the foundation of reproduction of meaning which is the standard for painters to choose and utilize techniques.It came from the aspect of techniques theory,aiming to achieve ideal effect.Secondly,as to the relationship between reproduction of meaning and structure,Wang Hui divided the whole landscape painting into several parts like mountains and rivers,and tried to achieve the ideal effect through abstraction and modeling,sticking to the principle of reproduction of meaning to achieve the aesthetic value of Song structure.Finally,the relationship between reproduction of meaning and style was summarized in the perspective of style theory by Wang Hui.He suggested that Tang style should be the standard for landscape painting.Wang Hui deemed that the exterior expression of landscape is depicted in its style,and reproduction of meaning is the convergence and transcendence for both style and state of ancient painters.Wang Hui's theory of reproduction of meaning paved the way for an impressive style of clear and integrated landscape,developing the unique status of artistic painting.There is no doubt that this theory is the fundamental part of Chinese traditional painting.