Qi Baishi is the most creative master in Chinese 20th century, and famous both in China and overseas. All themes under his brush are interesting and amusing. He painted over ten thousands of paintings all his life.

1st Jan.1864, Qi Baishi was born in a poor peasant family in Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. He was a carpenter when he was young, when he finished his joinery period, he learned painting and calligraphy from Hu Qinyuan and made living by painting, he gradually became a famous local painter.

Since 1902, because of friends’ invitation Qi Baishi made five journeys and got abundant experiences. After the long travel period, Qi Baishi settled down and focused on painting in his hometown, he changed from a painter to literati artist. To escape the turmoil in his hometown, Qi Baishi settled in Beijing in 1919 and made friends with Chen Shizeng. Chen advised Qi to find his own way in art, and make recommendation for Qi. Qi decided to change style and created a strong comparison style named Red Flower and Black Leaves. With Chen’s help and his own hard working, Qi Baishi won a widespread reputation both
overseas and domestic.

After the establishment of People’s Republic of China, Qi Baishi gained more honor and respect. Qi Baishi not only was awarded People's Artist by Ministry of Culture, he also appointed as committee president of China Artists Association. May 1957, Qi Baishi was appointed as the first honorary president of Beijing Chinese Painting Academy (currently named as Beijing Fine Art Academy). 16th Sep.1957, Qi Baishi passed away in Beijing Hospital.