Jade Hall of Wealth and Honor

Hu Mei's "Jade Hall of Wealth and Honor" - A Reproduction of a Qing Dynasty Masterpiece

This exquisite painting, created by Hu Mei, is a color-on-silk artwork currently housed in the Tianjin Museum. Jade Hall of Wealth and Honor depicts magnolias, peonies, pheasants, rocks, and lingzhi mushrooms—all traditional motifs in Chinese art symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The painting is executed in the meticulous gongbi (fine brush) style, characterized by its vibrant colors, precise details, and vivid compositions. It reflects the influence of the Southern Song court painting tradition and the style of the Ming Dynasty artist Lü Ji.

Hu Mei was renowned for his mastery of flower-and-bird painting, as well as his skill in figure and landscape painting. He initially studied under Bian Jingzhao and later immersed himself in the works of Tang and Song Dynasty masters, inheriting the refined "academy style" of the Song Dynasty. His works are divided into two distinct styles: one is the meticulous gongbi technique with rich colors and strict compositional rules, and the other is a freer ink-wash style influenced by Lin Liang, characterized by bold brushstrokes and dynamic energy. Drawing inspiration from the Southern Song court style and the detailed techniques of Huang Quan, Hu Mei often depicted auspicious birds such as phoenixes, cranes, peacocks, and mandarin ducks, set against lush floral backgrounds, creating a sense of opulence and vitality.

This reproduction faithfully captures the brilliance of the original, making it a treasured piece for collectors and admirers of classical Chinese art. It offers a glimpse into the refined aesthetic and artistic traditions of the Qing Dynasty, perfect for those who appreciate the harmony of nature, symbolism, and meticulous craftsmanship. 

清代古画胡湄玉堂富贵图真迹复制

绢本 设色 现藏于天津博物馆

胡湄《玉堂富贵图》以工笔重彩绘玉兰、牡丹、雉鸡、山石、灵芝，这些都是历代吉祥寓意花鸟画中常见的题材。笔触细致、造型生动、准确，敷色艳丽，有明显的南宋院体画神韵，绘画风格明显受到了明代画家吕纪影响。以画被召入宫，值仁智殿，授锦衣卫指挥使。擅花鸟、人物、山水，以花鸟著称于世。擅画临古花鸟，初学边景昭，后研习唐宋诸家名作，继承两宋“院体”，以工笔重彩，又在水墨写意方面受林良影响，并广泛师法唐宋诸家，所作有工笔重彩和水墨写意两种画法，前者描绘精工，色彩富丽，法度谨严；后者粗笔挥洒，随意点染，简练奔放，富有气势和动感。远宗南宋院体格，廷续了黄筌工整细致的画风及钩勒笔法，并予以发扬，多以凤凰、仙鹤、孔雀、鸳鸯之类鸣禽为题材，杂以浓郁花树，画面绚丽。