Wuhu has a long history of thriving iron smelting, earning it the reputation of "iron in Wuhu becomes steel." Wuhu iron painting techniques developed on this basis. Using hammers as brushes and forged iron as painting, Wuhu iron paintings create works of art, imbued with natural charm and masterful technique. Iron painting originated during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, with the mutual efforts of Wuhu ironworker Tang Peng and painter Xiao Yuncong. It boasts a history of over 340 years. According to the "Iron Painting Song Preface" recorded in the Qing Dynasty's "Wuhu County Chronicles," "Tang Tianchi lived next door to the painter. He watched his painter's brushstrokes, and the painter scolded him. Inspired by this, Peng forged iron to create mountains, rivers, and lonely islands, reminiscent of life." Wuhu iron paintings, inspired by traditional Chinese painting, embody the Xin'an School's characteristic brushstrokes of thin, vigorous simplicity and a cool, unyielding style. They are crafted entirely by hand. Using wrought iron, heated in a red furnace, they are then crafted using techniques such as forging, drilling, lifting, pressing, welding, filing, and chiseling. Wuhu iron paintings combine the charm of traditional Chinese painting with the three-dimensional beauty of sculpture, showcasing the flexibility and ductility of steel, creating a unique artistic style.
Wuhu iron paintings have been exhibited at the Paris World Expo and the Budapest Plastic Arts Exhibition in Hungary, and have been exhibited in over 20 countries and regions, including Japan, Kuwait, Italy, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. In 1958, Mao Zedong and Liu Shaoqi admired Wuhu iron paintings at the Anhui Provincial Museum, praising their exquisite craftsmanship and proposing their development.
From 1959 to 1960, veteran artist Chu Yanqing and several of his disciples created the large-scale iron paintings "Welcoming Pine" and "Meishan Reservoir," as well as the iron calligraphy "Qinyuanchun: Snow," which were displayed in the Great Hall of the People. With over 300 years of inheritance and development, Wuhu iron painting, in addition to traditional small-scale landscapes, painted lanterns, and screens, has also created new varieties such as three-dimensional iron painting, bonsai iron painting, porcelain iron painting, and gilded iron painting. This has resulted in over 200 items across five major series: screens, murals, calligraphy, decorative furnishings, and gifts. Its distinctive style and charm have distinguished it in the art world.
However, the profit-driven nature of today's market economy continues to impact the quality of iron painting. Coupled with the lack of iron painting artists with both traditional Chinese painting and literary skills, Wuhu iron painting faces the risk of its skills being distorted and lost, and urgently needs national support and assistance.
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