Lu Hui (“Loo Whay”), 1851–1920
Figure Paintings after Old Masters
Album of ten leaves, ink and colors on silk; each leaf 11 x 14 in.
Collection of Roy and Marilyn Papp, courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum

Description
Adherence to tradition remained a critical part of Chinese painting through the nineteenth century, evident in this album by Lu Hui. In accordance with the ideas set forth by the great master Dong Qichang and illustrated by his paintings in this exhibition Lu created works in the styles of ten great painters of the past. Many of the leaves show scholars engaged in writing, conversing, reading, and appreciating nature. Lu Gong Writing a Sutra provides an illustration of a scholar’s desk readied for painting. From left to right are a water vessel, inkstone, brush, scroll, bronze vessel, and a Buddhist sculpture, perhaps meant to inspire him as he writes the Buddhist text.

Community Response by Julia Liang
“This album conveys a sense of tranquility, peace, and nature. The master scholar is portrayed in a calm manner, with the hands in prayer position. Each element in the album is artfully portrayed in a pleasing but specific manner, as the scholar sits calmly at his low wood desk along a low hill. Across from the scholar a peacock with vivid colors ranging from emerald green to sea blue looks back at the scholar, and the rock wall with holes makes an appropriate semicircle around the scholar. The album frames the scholar as the main focus, with the peacock, bamboo trees, and rocks adding an aesthetically pleasing border.

Every Chinese artist adds his red ink symbol to his work, as shown in the red square and black artfully written characters on the left corner. The album evokes the world getting back in touch with tranquility and people among the outside world.”