齐 (qí): This character is a common surname. Its original meaning is “neat,” “even,” or “uniform,” derived from a pictograph of neatly aligned stalks of grain.
白 (bái): This character means “white,” “pure,” or “bright.”
石 (shí): This is a simple pictograph of a “rock” or “stone.”
The name “Báishí” (白石), meaning “White Stone,” was not his birth name but an art name (号, hào) he adopted. This practice is common among traditional Chinese artists and scholars. The name “White Stone” reflects a rustic, natural, and unpretentious quality, which is a hallmark of both his personality and his artistic style.
As a proper name, “Qi Baishi” is used when discussing art, history, and culture.
In Museums and Galleries: You will hear or see his name constantly in major Chinese art museums, such as the National Art Museum of China in Beijing or the Shanghai Museum. His works are cornerstones of any modern Chinese art collection.
At Art Auctions: Qi Baishi's paintings are highly sought after and fetch astronomical prices at auctions in China and worldwide. News of a “Qi Baishi” selling for millions is common in cultural news.
In Everyday Life: Reproductions of his art, especially the shrimp, chicks, and cabbage paintings, are incredibly popular decorations in homes, restaurants, and offices. They are seen as tasteful and culturally significant, symbolizing a love for nature and life's simple pleasures.
As an Adjective for Excellence: Sometimes, someone might refer to a particularly well-painted piece of modern ink wash art as having the “spirit of Qi Baishi” (有齐白石的味道, yǒu Qí Báishí de wèidào), meaning it has a certain liveliness and masterful simplicity.