Li Shan

• Li Shan, courtesy name Zongyang, hao (pseudonym) Futang, and other pseudonyms Aodao Ren and Momo Ren, was from Xinghua in Yangzhou Prefecture, Jiangsu Province. He was the sixth-generation descendant of the Ming dynasty top scholar and chancellor, Li Chunfang. A renowned painter of the Qing dynasty, Li Shan was one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou." In the 53rd year of the Kangxi reign (1714), he was summoned to serve as a court painter. His mastery of meticulous court-style painting, as well as his proficiency in poetry, calligraphy, and painting, were widely recognized. He studied under Jiang Tingxi and Gao Qipei and later became influenced by the famous painter Shitao. Li Shan was especially skilled in painting flowers, bamboo, stones, and pines. In his early years, his painting style was refined, detailed, and rigorous, adhering closely to traditional techniques. In his middle years, his style evolved, shifting toward bold, freehand brushwork. His later works were dynamic, expressive, and full of energy, contributing significantly to the development of late Qing flower-and-bird painting.

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