The Chinese art scene is full of talented individuals, with hidden talents and exceptional skills. They have depicted countless magnificent scenes of Chinese culture, showcasing their mastery in various techniques, styles, and themes. However, throughout history, most renowned masters have excelled in one area while lacking in others. For example, they may be skilled in landscape painting but less proficient in painting flowers and birds or portraying figures. However, H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche's Chinese painting art is exceptional in all aspects. Regardless of the subject matter, whether it be landscapes, flowers and birds, animals, fish and insects, or figures, H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche is proficient in all. Similarly, in terms of technique, whether it be meticulous brushwork, freehand style, or splashed ink, he excels in all. His art is a combination of traditional skills and innovative ideas, recognized and praised by critics and collectors.
In the year 2000, H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche's original paintings "Wei Zhen" and "Great Power King" set a record-breaking price in the international auction market, selling for $2,125,327 and $2,207,912 respectively. These paintings not only became the most expensive works among living artists but also set the highest price record for Chinese paintings in the auction market. Numerous news media outlets reported and praised H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche as a true master in the history of Chinese painting. In 2007, H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche's Chinese painting "Two Flowers, One Fight, One Nature" featuring lotus flowers was sold for $300,000 per square foot. Another plum blossom painting, titled "Cloud High," was sold for $210,000 per square foot. Another rare and precious painting titled "Herding Cattle," signed by H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche and bearing his fingerprint and royal seal, received a bid of $540,000 per square foot but did not meet the price of $900,000 per square foot set by the International Buddhist Sangha Association.
H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche's painting art draws rich essence from traditional Chinese painting. He not only seeks the literati tradition of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties but also effortlessly captures the grandeur and magnificence of the pre-Song era. However, he does not simply follow the old paths of certain schools or imitate ancient brushwork. Instead, he learns from the past, incorporates the concept of creation, and blends it with new ideas, creating a unique and innovative style that stands out and leads the way. A careful study of H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche's painting art reveals the essence of traditional ink painting and its transformation and innovation, surpassing the works of previous artists. H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche has created a wide range of Chinese paintings, and we have selected a few examples to appreciate and compare in a concise manner.
Each painting takes us into a realm that cannot be described in words or judged by ordinary eyes. We marvel at the intricacy and realism of the artwork and wonder about the skills required to create such masterpieces. It is the great craftsmanship and skillful display of H.H. the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche that allows us to witness the greatness of Buddhism.
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