Chinese brush painting, a style of watercolour or ink painting, was traditionally one of the “four arts” required to be mastered in order to be considered a true scholar in Tang dynasty China. Painting was typically done onto rice paper or occasionally silk, and generally depicted landscapes, flowers, animals or trees. 

Compared to western painting styles, Chinese brush painting is typically more free and dynamic. Backgrounds are usually omitted, with the balance between the object and white space being a particular artistic feature. Finally, a bright red stamp from the artist’s seal serves the role of a signature.