The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting

by Mai-mai Sze (Translator)

Originally published as Volume 2 of The Tao of Painting , this is the first English translation of the famous Chinese handbook, the "Chieh Tzu Yüan Hua Chuan" (original, 1679-1701). Mai-mai Sze has translated and annotated the texts of instructions, discussions of the fundamentals of painting, notes on the preparation of colors, and chief editorial prefaces.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, China

648 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1679

Reviews

[Morris Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE primer for painting in the style I know as Sumi-e.
"Qi Baishi was born the son of a farmer in 1864 and did start to paint until the age of 20, when he borrowed a book about art. Being an autodidact, he taught painting to himself by copying pictures from painting manuals such as “The Mustard Seed Garden”..."
A self taught painter became one of China's most famous by starting with this book.
For being as old a book as it is, it is very clear and easy to follow. The layout is systematic and progressive. I'm sure that copying these images will make you a better painter in the style.
You don't read a book like this. You follow it. You copy it.

This paperback facsimile is black and white and the images are small. I found a better copy, but in Chinese from another source. There is also an series of videos from China that follows the lessons in this book. That's the best way to learn the lessons here.

[Liralen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely translation of the original language of the book, with lots and lots of the old philosophy of why and how the paintings should be done. The examples are wonderful references and the words really fun.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most expensive book I've bought in awhile but definitely worth it. It is amazing. It's a brilliant English translation of the great 17th and 18th century manual of painting. The book provides a clear translation (though for people used to pinyin the romanization will seem a bit odd). What makes it even better is that it includes reproductions of the illustrations from the 19th century edition. This gives very clear examples to copy and practice with. It also includes the original Chinese which makes it dual language and very good practice for people who are also studying the language as well. In addition to instructions on creating the parts of paintings it also includes discussion of the most famous Chinese painters from different dynasties and their own strengths and styles. I was especially pleased to see women artists included in these discussions. (I do not think you'd find that in a European book on painting written in the 18th century). There was also instruction for different pigments and brush work. I can't recommend this highly enough! Now I have finished reading this cover to cover I will use it as a reference for drawing.

[Neil Crowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very informative and all the more interesting for being so many hundreds of years old. I am glad it was translated into English by Mai Mai Sze. I learned a lot in the course of reading it.

[Nancie Lafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful illustrations and explanations of Sumi-e techniques and reasonings. A wealth of knowledge.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding to think that this was first published in the late 1600s. What a cultural gem for Chinese nature painting.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good a treatise as it is on the art and history of Chinese brush painting; it is also an incredible instruction manual on mark making in general. This book is indispensable.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best art books ever, timeless.

[Ellen Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book on Sumi and on Oriental design and aesthetics.

[Shahna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I learned so much!

[Abner Pacheco]

good book

[Judith]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13957199