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The Rhythm of Ink: A Stroke of Elegance Across Millennia
The Beijing Clubhouse Lobby Gallery engages Members in an artistic dialogue that transcends time and space with The Rhythm of Ink exhibition
10 July 2025
Chinese ink painting is a timeless, classical art form, telling stories that bridge the past with the present through delicate lines and graceful, flowing brushwork. The Beijing Clubhouse Lobby Gallery proudly presents The Rhythm of Ink, an exhibition that revives ancient masterpieces of equine artistry from the depths of Forbidden City – now reawakened through meticulous production to bring these magnificent steeds to life right before our Members’ eyes.
Featuring rare reproductions of equine-themed calligraphy and paintings from the Palace Museum’s collection, this exhibition showcases the craftsmanship of contemporary artistry while paying homage to classical techniques. Each piece – from the silk’s texture to the finesse of brushwork – faithfully echoes the essence of the original works. The elegant movements and forms of the galloping steeds are captured in the scrolls, inviting viewers to experience the splendour of bygone eras.
Featuring rare reproductions of equine-themed calligraphy and paintings from the Palace Museum’s collection, this exhibition showcases the craftsmanship of contemporary artistry while paying homage to classical techniques. Each piece – from the silk’s texture to the finesse of brushwork – faithfully echoes the essence of the original works. The elegant movements and forms of the galloping steeds are captured in the scrolls, inviting viewers to experience the splendour of bygone eras.
Caption: The Beijing Clubhouse Lobby Gallery presents “The Rhythm of Ink”, showcasing rare reproductions of equine-themed masterpieces
Renowned Yuan Dynasty artists Zhao Mengfu and his son Zhao Yong both excelled in portraying human figures and horses, demonstrating the profound depth of literati painting. Zhao Mengfu's “Leading Horses Out of the Stable” captures the three steeds’ movement and stillness with refined brushwork and subtle hues to blend Tang and Song realism with the literati style. “Bathing Horses” portrays fourteen steeds drinking and resting by a stream, its delicate strokes and spacious composition embodying both classical aesthetics and an innovative spirit. Together with “Horse Herding in Autumn Countryside”, the two paintings are considered the twin jewels of Yuan equestrian art.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yong's “Travelling by Horseback with a Bow” captures dynamic movement on paper, portraying a Tang-attired aristocrat turning mid-gallop with a bow in hand. The finely detailed figure and horse are set against intentional emptiness to evoke a sense of open space, epitomising the Yuen literati’s pursuit of “ancient charm”.
Renowned Yuan Dynasty artists Zhao Mengfu and his son Zhao Yong both excelled in portraying human figures and horses, demonstrating the profound depth of literati painting. Zhao Mengfu's “Leading Horses Out of the Stable” captures the three steeds’ movement and stillness with refined brushwork and subtle hues to blend Tang and Song realism with the literati style. “Bathing Horses” portrays fourteen steeds drinking and resting by a stream, its delicate strokes and spacious composition embodying both classical aesthetics and an innovative spirit. Together with “Horse Herding in Autumn Countryside”, the two paintings are considered the twin jewels of Yuan equestrian art.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yong's “Travelling by Horseback with a Bow” captures dynamic movement on paper, portraying a Tang-attired aristocrat turning mid-gallop with a bow in hand. The finely detailed figure and horse are set against intentional emptiness to evoke a sense of open space, epitomising the Yuen literati’s pursuit of “ancient charm”.
Caption: Zhao Yong's “Travelling by Horseback with a Bow” captures the leisurely pursuit of riding and hunting with exquisite technique
In contrast, imperial court painters elevated steeds into symbols of national grandeur. The works of Giuseppe Castiglione (also known as Lang Shining) exemplify the graceful precision and visual dynamism of Qing court paintings. “Emperor Qianlong Reviewing the Troops” captures the emperor in gilded armour astride a white horse during a military review at Nanyuan in 1739. Set against traditional blue-green Chinese landscapes, the figure is painted using of Western realism techniques to enhance the rich and precise details, further amplifying the emperor’s martial spirit and majesty.
Castiglione’s other notable work, “Eight Steeds”, immortalises tribute horses from the western regions, each with distinct postures and expressions. Whether in its musculature or coat, the horses are rendered with anatomical precision, fusing European chiaroscuro techniques with a traditional ink-wash background. Beyond its technical brilliance, this piece reflects the pursuit of realistic aesthetics during the Qianlong period, making it a work with deep historical and artistic value.
In contrast, imperial court painters elevated steeds into symbols of national grandeur. The works of Giuseppe Castiglione (also known as Lang Shining) exemplify the graceful precision and visual dynamism of Qing court paintings. “Emperor Qianlong Reviewing the Troops” captures the emperor in gilded armour astride a white horse during a military review at Nanyuan in 1739. Set against traditional blue-green Chinese landscapes, the figure is painted using of Western realism techniques to enhance the rich and precise details, further amplifying the emperor’s martial spirit and majesty.
Castiglione’s other notable work, “Eight Steeds”, immortalises tribute horses from the western regions, each with distinct postures and expressions. Whether in its musculature or coat, the horses are rendered with anatomical precision, fusing European chiaroscuro techniques with a traditional ink-wash background. Beyond its technical brilliance, this piece reflects the pursuit of realistic aesthetics during the Qianlong period, making it a work with deep historical and artistic value.
Caption: Castiglione’s “Eight Steeds" showcases the unique form and personality of each horse
The exhibition also highlights the refined lifestyle of the court through works like Lü Ji's “Sweet Osmanthus, Chrysanthemum, and Birds” – an intricate autumnal scene of blossoms and birds perched on branches with delicate colours that radiate serene, natural beauty – and Zhao Ji’s “Madam Guo’s Spring Outing”, where noblewomen on horses with flowing garments and lively expressions complete a scene that is immensely detailed yet has an uncluttered composition.
The Beijing Clubhouse is dedicated to cultivating a haven for Members where art and culture converge. In the future, the Clubhouse will continue to curate exceptional exhibitions that promote heritage, culture and artistic beauty.
Click here to learn more
The exhibition also highlights the refined lifestyle of the court through works like Lü Ji's “Sweet Osmanthus, Chrysanthemum, and Birds” – an intricate autumnal scene of blossoms and birds perched on branches with delicate colours that radiate serene, natural beauty – and Zhao Ji’s “Madam Guo’s Spring Outing”, where noblewomen on horses with flowing garments and lively expressions complete a scene that is immensely detailed yet has an uncluttered composition.
The Beijing Clubhouse is dedicated to cultivating a haven for Members where art and culture converge. In the future, the Clubhouse will continue to curate exceptional exhibitions that promote heritage, culture and artistic beauty.
Click here to learn more