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Zhao Shijun
Zhao Shijun
Personal Profile
Zhao Shijun: A gentleman's demeanor in character, a gentleman's spirit in painting.
He began learning calligraphy at the age of six and started painting at eight. Through persistent effort, he gained wisdom from hardship, and through extensive learning, he became accomplished. Now, after several decades, Mr. Zhao Shijun has become a distinguished painter and calligrapher with a grand style, widely recognized in Beijing.
In China’s art circles, it is widely believed that true mastery requires both virtue and skill—a saying perfectly fitting for Mr. Zhao Shijun. Born in the hometown of the great calligrapher Mi Fu, he adopted Mi Fu’s moral character and artistic style as his model from childhood, establishing a solid foundation for his conduct. He diligently cultivated Mi Fu’s noble bearing, gradually forming his own unique style. Though his speech and manner are bold and passionate, they remain refined and scholarly. His will is as firm as plum blossoms, his integrity as upright as bamboo, his character as pure as orchid, and his demeanor as dignified as chrysanthemum—free from any trace of vulgarity or materialism. His studies are marked by unwavering focus and serene clarity; his friendships are sincere and genuine; his behavior is wild yet measured, embodying a graceful order. Neighbors and friends all wish to befriend him, often feeling honored to know him. Regarding his artistic skills, his paintings reflect his personality—each brushstroke uniquely expressive, full of natural charm. Upon closer inspection, one sees the soul of the Four Gentlemen (plum, bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum). His plum blossoms appear old and rugged, seemingly lifeless, yet new branches bloom with radiant flowers defying the snow—vitality bursts forth on paper, evoking the essence of spring’s renewal. His bamboo is clearly segmented, each leaf glistening green, embodying the very image of a gentleman whose lofty principles cannot be challenged—the soul of bamboo resides deep within, inspiring awe. His orchids exude fragrance that lingers in the air, their ethereal spirit blending seamlessly into the painting, creating an意境 like poetry or song, lingering long and distant. His chrysanthemums display quiet elegance and grandeur, not competing for attention but radiating their own unique grace—the soul of the flower lives naturally within, prompting contemplation and reaching sublime depth. As for his calligraphy, the gentlemanly spirit reaches even greater heights—appearing bold and unrestrained, yet truly revealing iron-like strength beneath. Many perceive his works as seasoned and mature, but I see them as fresh expressions of inner emotion, original and distinctive. The key to this lies in his inheritance of Mi Fu’s unyielding spirit, refined over thirty years of practice—infusing whimsy while capturing tranquility, offering strokes that feel vast and clear, subtly revealing nature’s most exquisite beauty. Just as people say “Guilin’s mountains and waters rank first under heaven, and Lijiang’s mountains and waters rank first among Guilin,” so too is Zhao Shijun remarkable in person, and even more so in his art. To express my admiration, I offer this five-character poem:
With a gentleman’s grace, painting carries a gentleman’s soul; seeking not ornate brilliance, only originality in openness. Not bound by imitation, rules are shaped by time’s passage. Each piece holds its own flavor—only those who understand can appreciate the hardship. Art and calligraphy endure through ages, bringing joy to sages in myriad forms. If new ideas remain, why worry about failing to bloom in spring?
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Zhao Shijun