Lü Qinxuan

Lü Qinxuan: Male, Han ethnicity. A native of Changyuan, Henan Province. Born in December 1914. Style name Yan Tian; Artistic name Moyuan. From childhood fond of painting and calligraphy, he experienced a life full of hardships. During the Cultural Revolution, he was labeled as a "rightist," but was politically rehabilitated in 1979. He founded Changyuan's first calligraphy and painting academy—the Gupu Calligraphy and Painting Academy—offering free education. His story of voluntary teaching spread rapidly by word of mouth; students came from hundreds of miles around, even from outside the province. The first class enrolled nearly one hundred students, bringing hope to those from impoverished families. For twenty-six years, he dedicated himself to education, nurturing close to ten thousand underprivileged students for the nation. Many have become members of provincial, municipal, or national art associations; numerous serve as presidents of academies, calligraphers’ associations, or painters’ associations. His achievements quickly gained fame beyond his region, reaching the capital city. He was invited to Beijing ten times, where he received warm audiences with national leaders including President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng. At the State Council’s Institute of Literature and History, Mr. Lü freely painted and composed poetry on-site, presenting over ten works of poetry, painting, and calligraphy—all highly praised by national leaders. His integrated mastery of poetry, calligraphy, and painting was hailed as “fivefold excellence crowned with victory,” and his works were permanently collected. The state awarded him high honors and recognition. Approved by China's Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he received an Outstanding Achievement Award. In 2006, the China Calligraphy and Painting Association awarded him the certificate of "One of China’s Top 100 Outstanding Calligraphers and Painters" and inscribed his name “in eternal records,” also conferring upon him the Gold Prize of "Outstanding Achievements in Chinese Art" and the title of "Distinguished Artist of the Republic," along with the honorary certificate of "A Great Master of the Age." The Arts Quality Department of the Cultural Market Development Center under the Ministry of Culture approved market valuation for his artworks. He is also recipient of the Crystal Cup Award for "Outstanding Figure of the Republic," and has been honored with the certificate of "Renowned Master of Chinese Calligraphy Ancient and Modern" conferred by the International Federation of Artists. Local authorities including the County Party Committee, Calligraphers Association, and Artists Association hosted a "Centenary Art Exhibition" in his honor. Wang Yutian, Director of the County Committee on Concern for the Next Generation, presented a poem: "Your heart brims with wisdom, your cultivation deeply sincere; Tilling diligently with meticulous care, nurturing new generations with devotion; In old age your spirit remains bright, looking back upon a springtime of brilliance; Though life may change, one thing endures—your childlike loyal heart." Yet Mr. Lü says: "The old ox knows the sunset is brief; without need of whip, it pushes forward on its own. Although I am still in good health today, I am undoubtedly in my advanced years. My time to serve the people grows short. But I do not sing 'The setting sun is infinitely beautiful, yet twilight is near.' Instead, I sing 'Do not say the mulberry grove is late—for rosy clouds still fill the sky.' As long as I live, I will devote all my life energy to our motherland, to the cause of art, and to the beloved younger generation, adding luster and brilliance to the flourishing of Chinese calligraphy and painting. I offer to society more than eighty self-funded publications compiling my lifelong insights into poetry, calligraphy, and painting theory—'The Artistic Masterpieces of Lü Qinxuan.' —This is the transgenerational renowned educator in calligraphy and painting, a charitable educator, truly embodying both moral integrity and artistic excellence. He is a member of the Henan Provincial Calligraphers Association, inaugural Chairman of Changyuan’s First Artists Association, founding院长 of Gupu Calligraphy and Painting Academy, principal of Changyuan Free Education School, specially appointed professor at China Correspondence University of Calligraphy and Painting. He has been widely appointed by international art institutions and national multimedia and cultural departments as honorary院长, artistic advisor, council member, judge, mentor, professor, artist—too numerous to list (for details please refer to the book 'Lü Qinxuan’s World-Class and National Honor Certificates'). His works are included in over one hundred major dictionaries and anthologies, and have been collected by numerous government offices, educational institutions, hotels, and collectors both domestically and overseas. ————My esteemed teacher Qinxuan: Morally upright and artistically accomplished. A pioneer of contemporary art in Gupu since reform and opening-up. Enduring hardships throughout life, passionate about painting since childhood. Mobilized resistance during the War of Resistance against Japan, selling land to raise funds for purchasing weapons for the Party. Wrongfully labeled a "rightist" during the Cultural Revolution; later politically rehabilitated. Devoted himself to free education, founded a calligraphy and painting academy, supporting students from poor families. Enthusiasts traveled thousands of miles to study under him—becoming a celebrated tale! His boundless love devoted to students, blossoming civilization and deep teacher-student affection. Even in his eighties and nineties, he rode a bicycle to give lectures at schools, inspiring future generations. Moreover, the master excels in poetry, calligraphy, and painting alike. A lifetime of hard work, remarkable accomplishments; noble artistic virtue, eternally recorded in history—a role model for us all. Invited ten times to the capital, personally received by the President and Premier. Honored by the State Council with top accolades across poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Masterpieces permanently preserved. His centenary exhibition marks another glorious achievement. His legacy shall be told by generations to come! ————Written in early spring of the Gengzi Year by Zhang Jian at Xue Ming Studio, south window of Guyun Studio (Zhang Jian: Council Member of Changyuan Calligraphers and Artists Association)