• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.36
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• pp.105-134
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• 2009

Since long ago, "The Discourse of Confucius" has been considered as one of the must-read classical literatures in the world of art. The term Huì-shì-$h{\grave{o}}u-s{\grave{u}}$ (繪事後素) in this literature is not only known by the painter but is also known to anyone who discuss about pictures. However, there is a great diversity of interpretation between its meaning of "drawing a picture is done when its basis is ready" or "drawing a picture is done later when completed with white color". The method of drawing does not change much with time. Scholars usually consider professional paintings conventional and don't understand well the white characteristics of the painting technique. In any case, it is basic to deal with the basis before drawing but completing the picture, finishing with white is not so common. Paintings from ancient times are not so different from today's silk pictures. Because Huì-shì-$h{\grave{o}}u-s{\grave{u}}$(繪事後素) fostered the attainments being the basis of life and the artistic sense, it remains as the aesthetics to many artists. The interpretation of Huì-shì-$h{\grave{o}}u-s{\grave{u}}$(繪事後素) is related to the change with time in 'The theory of courtesy(禮論)' but this study focused purely from the artistic point of view.