Bamboo and Frog 1977

Ding Yanyong’s 1977 ink-and-wash painting, "Bamboo and Frog", exemplifies the artist's mastery of traditional Chinese brushwork. The artwork depicts a slender bamboo stalk with delicate leaves, rendered in a minimalist style with a focus on the elegant lines and negative spaces. A small frog sits perched on the ground, adding a touch of whimsy and life to the scene. The calligraphy on the right adds a further layer of meaning, reflecting the artist's interest in the themes of nature and contemplation. This painting is a prime example of the "xieyi" style, which emphasizes capturing the essence of the subject rather than literal representation.