The "Three Perfections" (sānjué) – poetry, calligraphy, and painting – represent the holistic literati ideal, emphasizing the integration of these three art forms as a complete expression of the artist's personal feeling, thought, and their connection to tradition, with calligraphy’s influence often seen in Xieyi’s brushwork.
Calligraphy forms the foundation of Xieyi painting, sharing similar brushwork techniques and aesthetic principles. The concept of "bone strength" and the integration of poetry, calligraphy, and painting are central to understanding the connection between these two forms.