气韵

From 气韵生动 (qìyùn shēngdòng, 'spirit-resonance, life-motion'), the first of the Six Principles of Chinese Painting laid down by 谢赫 (Xiè Hè) in his 《古画品录》 (~6th century AD). For 1500 years, 气韵 has been the supreme criterion of Chinese painting criticism — far more important than technical likeness.

usage

Often qualifies art (画 painting, 字 calligraphy, 诗 poetry) but extends to people's bearing or even cities and landscapes. Common collocations: 气韵生动, 气韵高雅, 古典气韵.