Mineral Pigment Painting is a distinctive branch of contemporary heavy-color painting that centers on the use of natural mineral pigments. Colored minerals are ground into fine powders, mixed with binding agents, and applied to surfaces such as paper, fabric, wood panels, metal, and walls. Historically, traditional Chinese gongbi and heavy-color paintings relied heavily on mineral pigments. However, with the rise of literati ink painting during the Song and Yuan dynasties, ink-based aesthetics gradually became the dominant artistic tradition.
After being introduced to Japan, the use of mineral pigments was preserved and further developed, profoundly influencing the Japanese painting system. In the 1980s, Yancai experienced a revival in China and has since become an important force in the development of contemporary Chinese painting. Through the layering of mineral pigments with varying particle sizes and textures, artists create rich surfaces with sculptural depth and luminous color, revealing the unique beauty of natural materials.
Clay Panel Mural Experience Workshop
Artwork 1: Guanyin from Fahai Temple
This workshop is inspired by the image of Guanyin from the Ming Dynasty mural Western Paradise Assembly (Fu Hui Xi Fang Tu) at Fahai Temple. Participants will create their artwork on a traditional clay panel while experiencing the techniques and processes of classical Chinese mural painting.
During this 6-hour workshop, participants will learn about the characteristics of natural mineral pigments and the application of layered color glazing. The course also introduces the traditional Relief Gold (Lifen Duijin) technique, where raised lines and gold embellishments are used to enhance the folds of garments and the dignified details of Buddhist imagery. Through a calm and immersive painting process, participants will complete a Guanyin clay panel artwork with depth, texture, and the visual richness of traditional murals.
Artwork 2: Dunhuang Mural – The Nine-Coloured Deer
This artwork is inspired by the Northern Wei mural The Deer King Jataka from Cave 257 of the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang. The Nine-Coloured Deer is a well-known figure from the Buddhist Jataka tales, depicting a previous incarnation of Buddha Shakyamuni as a compassionate deer who rescues others and upholds virtue. The image symbolizes compassion, wisdom, and kindness.
Participants will paint on a clay panel prepared with a reddish-earth background, followed by the application of blue, green, black, yellow, and white pigments to recreate the distinctive visual style of Dunhuang murals. The deer’s luminous white body, adorned with colourful markings, highlights its sacred and auspicious nature.
Upon completion, participants will learn traditional mural aging techniques by gently sanding selected areas of the background and landscape. This process creates the weathered textures and patina characteristic of ancient Dunhuang murals, giving the finished artwork a sense of historical depth and authenticity.
Artwork 3: Dunhuang Mural – Winged Horse
This artwork is inspired by the Winged Horse depicted in Cave 10 of the Yulin Grottoes, Dunhuang. A revered auspicious creature in Dunhuang art, the Winged Horse is portrayed with magnificent colours, expansive wings, and hooves stepping upon clouds. As Buddhism spread along the Silk Road, the Winged Horse became a symbol of protection and good fortune, embodying the cultural exchange between East and West.
Participants will create their artwork on a clay panel using natural mineral pigments such as azurite, malachite, red ochre, and porcelain black. The workshop introduces the fundamental techniques of Yancai mural painting, including colour layering and mineral pigment application.
To complete the piece, participants will explore mural aging techniques through controlled scraping and texturing with carving blades, recreating the worn and fragmented appearance of ancient Dunhuang wall paintings. The result is an artwork rich in historical character and artistic expression.
Materials Gift Set Includes
One A5 clay board with frame
Natural mineral pigment
Basic painting tools (Chinese brushes, fine-line brush, palette and mixing tools, relief gold materials, etc.)
Enrollment Requirements
• Age 18 and above
• Suitable for student with or without basics
Types of Courses
Workshop
Duration: 6–7 Hours
Instructed by
