Ink on silk 149*51.6 cm

Ni Yuanlu (1593-1644), also known by his zi (courtesy names) Ruyu or Yuru and his hao (literary names) Hongbao and Yuanke, was a native of Shangyu, Zhejiang province. A jinshi graduate of the Tianqi reign (1621-1627), he rose to Minister of Revenue, Minister of Rites, and Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy. A master of poetry, prose, and calligraphy, he excelled in painting landscapes, bamboo, and rocks. His landscapes are celebrated for their grand, heroic momentum and an elegantly rustic, archaic style. In his depictions of bamboo and rocks, his brushwork is spirited and refined, possessing a distinct and effortless charisma. He was the author of Collected Poems and Prose(Shiwen Ji).