Hanging scroll, ink on silk
This vertical hanging scroll is a panoramic ink painting of bamboo, showcasing a new interpretation of ink-painted bamboo that may have been influenced by the preferences of the Yuan dynasty. The work is signed “Xizhai Daoren,” the sobriquet of Li Kan (1245–1320), a literatus of the early Yuan dynasty. Originally from Hebei, Li served as Minister of Personnel in 1312 during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song and was later appointed as a grand academician of the Hall of Scholarly Worthies. He was active among the Jiangnan literati. Renowned for his bamboo paintings, several of his colored bamboo scrolls have been preserved. He studied and copied ancient masterpieces diligently, but gradually shedding traditional styles after learning from Wen Tong (1018–1079). Li’s works were highly praised by his contemporaries and widely circulated. He also undertook a diplomatic mission to Annan (modern-day Vietnam) and compiled the Bamboo Manual, which detailed the characteristics and local features of bamboo in various regions, documented his artistic journey, and analyzed different bamboo painting methods.