Ink on paper 24*27.5 cm

Yao Nai (1732-1815), also known by his zi (courtesy names) Jichuan and Menggu, styled his studio Xibao Xuan Studio, and hence was commonly referred to as Master Xibao. He was a native of Tongcheng, Anhui province. He earned the jinshi (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) degree during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795) and served as a Director in the Ministry of Justice. A man of profound learning, and excelling in poetry and prose, he was the preeminent leader of The Tongcheng School of prose. He is the author of Complete Works of the Xibao Xuan Studio(Xibao Xuan quanji).