Chao Ch'ang - Sung Dynasty Chao Ch'ang was a native of Szechuan.  He was particularly famous for his paintings of flowering plants and cut branches, vegetables and fruits.  He observed the nature and painted what he had seen.  He also applied this same skill to paint grasses, insects, birds, and rocks.  He valued his own paintings very highly and often refused to sell them.  Consequentyl few of his works have survived. Four Magpies ink and colors on silk by Chao Ch'ang

Chao Pochu - Sung Dynasty Chao Pochu was descended from the Sung Imperial line.  He was the son of the famous painter Chao Lingjang.  He was an excellent painter of landscapes, trees and rocks, flowering plants, birds, and animals, figures.  The spiritual quality of his paintings is clear and rich. Spring in the Mountains - ink and colors on paper by Chao Pochu

Wang Tingkuo - Sung Dynasty Wang Tingkuo was from K'aifeng in Honan Province.  He specialized in painting flowers and birds.  His paintings are in light colors and possess  an unusual degree of refinement. Birds on a Branch in Snow - ink and colors on silk by Wang Tingkuo

Kao Kokung - (1248-1310), Yuan Dynasty Kao Kokung was from Tatung Shansi.  He served the Yuan government as a high official in the Board of Punishments.  His landscapes were painted in the style of Mifu and Miyujen. Grove of Trees in Mist and Rain - ink and colors on paper by Kao Kokung

Ni Tuan - Ming Dynasty Ni Tuan was from Hangchou in Chekiang Province.  He was an official of the Royal Guard.  He is most famous for his figure paintings and taoist subject paintings.  His landscapes followed the Southern Sung academic style.  He also painted flowers in monochrome ink. Cating fish - ink and color on silk by Ni Tuan

Taochi - Qing Dynasty Taochi was a Buddhist monk.  He painted in landscape, flowers and fruits, orchins and bamboo. His brushwork was unrestained and the ink freely flowing.  He was considered "the greatest master of south of the Yangtze"   Wang Yuanchi was native of Kiangsu Province.  He served the government in the Ministry of Revenue.  In landscape paining he followed the styles of early masters and is considered one of the Six Great Masters of the Qing Dynasty. This painting was done in 1691 when Taochi was 61 and Wang Yuanchi was 40 years old Orchid and Bamboo - ink on paper by Taochi and Wang Yuanchi

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