Two Water Buffaloes

The painter Gao Qifeng is one of the founders of the Lingnan School of Painting. Gao Qifeng, a native of Panyu, Guangdong province, was named Gao Weng by birth; Qifeng was his courtesy name while Feipu was his signature. With the early passing of his parents, Gao Qifeng studied painting under the influence of his elder brother Jianfu. During his brief stay in Japan studying with Gao Jianfu when he was 19, the painter joined the Chinese Revolutionary Alliance (Tongmenghui) and started taking part in the revolutionary movement. On the other hand, he also became an apprentice of the Japanese painter Tanaka Raisho (1868–1940). The Japanese painting scene at the time was advocating a naturalistic style that was a blend between traditional Japanese painting and Western styles. Tanaka, in particular, was best known for his Chinese landscapes which showed a strong hint of life painting. Under the tutelage of Tanaka, together with what he had seen and experienced in Japan, Gao Qifeng gradually established his own style of painting. The Japanese pursuit for an atmospheric mood in painting often found its way in Gao’s works thereafter, and it has also become a key feature of the Lingnan School.

This painting, an early work of Gao Qifeng, was based on Hikida Hosho’s (1878–1934) painting with a change in background. It shows two buffaloes resting on a slope, leaning against each other, one closing its eyes and the other watching the flying birds on its left. The portrayal of the buffalos showcases a lightness of touch and fine details, which contrasts against a blander background achieved by the effect of ink upon water. The space has not been deliberately left blank, which is the tradition, but filled with light ink and color, to create a misty and lyrical ambiance.