Tian Shiguang: A Legacy of Delicate Brushstrokes and Reverence for Nature Tian Shiguang (龔維), born in Beijing in 1916, was a pivotal figure in the revival of Chinese flower-and-bird painting during the mid-20th century. His artistic journey began amidst the burgeoning intellectual fervor of the era, deeply rooted in the traditions of Jinghua Academy and nurtured by mentors like Zhao Mengzhu and Qi Baishi—artists who championed meticulous brushwork (gongbi) and a profound connection to the natural world. This formative influence would shape his distinctive style and enduring contribution to C…