Zhewan Calligraphy and Paintings in Tonghai County, Yuxi 

Zhewan Village (者湾村), located in Sijie Town (四街镇), Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), is renowned as the “Bishan Ink Village” (碧山墨庄) and has long been celebrated as the “Hometown of Calligraphy and Painting” in the province. In 2006, Zhewan’s calligraphy and painting were listed in the first batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yunnan Province. Below is a detailed introduction to Zhewan’s artistic heritage:

Historical Origins and Cultural Traditions

Scholars of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, Zhewan Village has produced many accomplished scholars and artists. Notable figures include:

  • Bu Wenxing (布文星), martial examination champion in 1798 (Jiaqing 3rd Year), known for semi-cursive script.
  • Li Jiazheng (李家政), recognized for upright and rigorous regular script.
  • Li Duo (李铎), known for bold regular script and graceful cursive writing.

Due to the abundance of literati during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Zhewan earned the nickname “Bishan Ink Village” (碧山墨庄).

From the Republic Era to Modern Times

During the Republic of China period, calligraphers such as Gao Tai (高泰), Yang Hongfa (杨鸿发), and Bu Zenghua (布增华) rose to prominence.

Contemporary artists including Yang Bingshun (杨炳舜), Li Shuanghua (李双华), and Yang Zhengfu (杨正福) have had their works exhibited and awarded nationally.

Artistic Achievements and Activities

Exhibitions and Publications

  • In 1994, Zhewan held its first village-level calligraphy and painting exhibition, featuring 145 works and attracting over 1,000 visitors.
  • In 2003, the “First Zhewan Village Farmers’ Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition of Tonghai County” was held at the county cultural center and the Yuxi Youth Palace.
  • In 2004, Zhewan Hanmo Collection (《者湾翰墨集》) was published, compiling 122 works by 38 villagers—pioneering village-level art book publishing.

Awards and Collections

  • Yang Bingshun’s calligraphy was included in the China International Literature and Art Expo.
  • Li Shuanghua received the “Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Artist of the Century Award” in 1999.

Transmission and Safeguarding Measures

Bishan Ink Village Calligraphy Association (Established in 2004)

  • The association has 42 members, aged from 8 to 87.
  • It regularly hosts exhibitions, writing sessions, and lectures, and partners with Zhewan Primary School (者湾小学) for competitions.

Spring Festival Couplets Initiative

  • Villagers voluntarily write Spring Festival couplets for the community, promoting traditional culture.

Artistic Family Atmosphere

  • Around one-third of the households display calligraphy and paintings; most Spring Festival couplets are written by residents themselves.
  • A typical example is Li Tingfa (李廷发), a farmer-artist whose three-generation household practices calligraphy and painting, recognized as a “Most Beautiful Family”.

Modern Challenges and Cultural Tourism Integration

Challenges in Inheritance

  • With the rise of digital technology, fewer young people are learning traditional calligraphy and painting.

Integration with Cultural Tourism

  • Zhewan has created a cultural corridor, adorning residential walls with calligraphy and paintings to promote rural tourism.
  • Traditional performances, long-table banquets, and bonfire parties are combined with visual arts to advance the integration of culture and tourism.

Cultural Significance of Zhewan Calligraphy and Painting

  • Model of Farming-Reading Culture: Villagers are said to “work with hoes in hand and write with brush in hand.”
  • Symbol of Ethnic Unity: The art of calligraphy and painting fosters interethnic cultural exchange and strengthens community cohesion.

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