蒪菜条【英】

Bocaitiao; or Water-shield Sketching

定义

又称兰叶描，蒪菜作为白描起稿线具有“悠扬辗转之状”和“轻重跌宕”之势，敦煌唐代壁画多用此种线描。

This is an ink-painting technique that uses brushstrokes in the wavy shape of flowing water, which is also often referred to as "orchid-leaf drawing". This brush style is distinguished by its fluctuating lines. When "water-shield" brushstrokes are used, sketch lines vary, from narrow to wide to narrow again, evoking the feel of "floating up and down". Sketch lines of this sort are commonly seen in murals at Dunhuang created during the Tang period.