Xiao Mo? Courtyard

　　Located opposite the “Yanling Family Mansion,” Xiao Mo Zhuang was the backyard of Liu Ximao (courtesy name Yuhé), a prominent local gentry, philanthropist, and leader of the Red Cross in Qiancheng during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. It now serves as a painting and calligraphy museum for Zhang Guoxiong, a local Dong ethnic painter. Born into a dyeing family in the ancient town of Tuokou, Zhang explored and created a new type of decorative art painting by applying the principles of oil-water separation and traditional folk dyeing techniques. This innovation was highly praised by the renowned calligrapher and painter Zhao Puchu, who called it “a first in inheriting the past and innovating for the future.” Zhang’s artworks blend the natural textures of craft art with the splashed-ink techniques of traditional Chinese painting—bold, subtle, composed, and graceful. His works were exhibited at the Beijing Science and Technology Achievements Exhibition. He has disciples across the country, and some of his pieces are collected by overseas friends. In 2008, the Hongjiang Municipal People's Government applied for the inclusion of his “Instant Inkless Painting” technique in the intangible cultural heritage list at various governmental levels.

　　Source: Ancient Qianyang City