{"product_id":"the-arrival-of-lao-zi-xu-beihong","title":"The Arrival of Lao Zi - Xu Beihong","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ink and colour painting by Xu Beihong, depicting the philosopher Lao Zi arriving at the Hangu Pass on a water buffalo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXu Beihong, a central figure in twentieth-century Chinese art, is recognised for his synthesis of traditional Chinese ink techniques with Western academic realism. In this work, he depicts the legendary philosopher Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism, arriving at the Hangu Pass atop a water buffalo. The composition captures a moment of quiet encounter as a gatekeeper kneels in reverence before the sage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXu Beihong employs a delicate balance of line and wash to define the figures. The water buffalo is rendered with robust, dark ink strokes, providing a solid physical presence that contrasts with the ethereal, light-filled aura surrounding Lao Zi. The sage himself is depicted with a serene expression, his robes flowing in a manner that suggests movement and grace. The background, featuring the stone walls of the pass, is executed with a softer, more atmospheric touch, drawing the viewer's eye toward the interaction between the two men.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece reflects the artist's broader interest in historical and mythological subjects, which he often used to comment on the human condition or to preserve cultural narratives during periods of national upheaval. By blending the expressive potential of the brush with a structured approach to anatomy and perspective, Xu Beihong created a visual language that remained accessible while maintaining the integrity of traditional ink painting. The work is a fine example of his ability to imbue classical themes with a sense of immediacy and human warmth, avoiding overly stylised abstraction in favour of a grounded, narrative clarity. The subtle colour palette, dominated by earthy tones and muted washes, ensures that the focus remains on the emotional exchange between the figures, rather than decorative excess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/winter-day-maruyama-okyo\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eWinter Day - Maruyama Ōkyo — Maruyama Ōkyo\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-lake-viktor-vasnetsov\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Lake - Viktor Vasnetsov — Viktor Vasnetsov\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Xu Beihong","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58510585463119,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58510595719503,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58510595752271,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58510595785039,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58510595817807,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58510595850575,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58510595883343,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58510595916111,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58510595948879,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58510595981647,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58510596014415,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58510596047183,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Arrival-of-Lao-Zi_Poster_CompositorV1_1786439073390.jpg?v=1787098551","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/products\/the-arrival-of-lao-zi-xu-beihong","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}