Abstract: In its artistic manifestation, the practice of painting-calligraphy (known as “tihuashufa”, or “calligraphy inscribed on paintings”) exemplifies Xu Wei’s integration of calligraphic art within his paintings, thereby showcasing his proficiency in calligraphy and the interconnectedness of poetry, painting, calligraphy and seal. A comprehensive examination of the art form of painting-calligraphy yields valuable insights into Xu Wei’s techniques in calligraphy and painting as well as his perception of the correlation between them. This study investigates three fundamental aspects of the relationship between painting-calligraphy and the picture, namely composition, brushwork, and inking method, in order to analyse how Xu Wei’s utilisation of painting-calligraphy resonates with the visual elements of the artwork, accentuated by his exceptional calligraphic proficiency.

Key words: Xuwei, Painting-calligraphy, Artistic technique