Ten Prized Dogs - Banjinbiao(Chinese greyhound) Postcard

Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J. (simplified Chinese: 郞世宁; traditional Chinese: 郞世寧; pinyin: Láng Shìníng; 19 July 1688 – 17 July 1766), was an Italian Jesuit brother and missionary in China, where he served as an artist at the imperial court of three Qing emperors – the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. He painted in a style that is a fusion of European and Chinese traditions. One of the masterpieces in the series "The Ten Prized Dogs" by Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining), titled "Bān Jǐn Biāo" (斑锦彪), captures the ferocity and elegance of a majestic leopard. The leopard, or "Biāo", is depicted with vivid naturalism and dynamic energy. Its fur is meticulously painted, with each spot and mark rendered in exquisite detail. The leopard's posture is poised and alert, its gaze fierce yet regal, embodying both strength and grace. The background features a subtle yet rich depiction of natural elements, with leaves and branches surrounding the animal. These elements, while beautifully executed, serve to highlight the central figure, allowing the viewer to appreciate not only the animal's beauty but also its position as a symbol of nobility, agility, and power. Castiglione's blending of Western realism and Chinese brush techniques gives this piece a remarkable depth, emphasizing both the intricate detail and the spirit of the animal. "The Ten Valiant Dogs" series is renowned for its portrayal of not only the valour of dogs but also the representation of other powerful animals, such as this leopard, demonstrating the artist's versatility in capturing various facets of strength, beauty, and nature. [Special Reminder] For optimal printing results, this product is designed to use 9792 x 14688 pixels 300 DPI high definition JPG format images.