Artist: Ren Xun (1835-1893), Ren Yu (1853-1901)

Date: Qing (1644-1911)

Dimensions: Height 128.5 cm, Width 62.5 cm

Material: Ink and color on paper

• Object Type：
  • PAINTINGS
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • bodhidharma listen to the spring hanging scroll ren xun ren yu qing ink and color paper

Ren Xun (1835-1893), also known by his zi (designated name) Fuchang, was a native of Xiaoshan, Zhejiang province, and was renowned for painting figure, flower, and bird. Ren Yu (1853-1901), also known by his zi Lifan, excelled in landscape and figure painting. Ren Xiong died early, and his son Ren Yu was adopted by his younger brother Ren Xun. The four members of the Ren family was known as the "Four Rens of Shanghai". This painting by Ren Xun depicts Bodhidharma seated in meditation, with an aged appearance. The figure draws on the style of Chen Hongshou. Ren Yu, only 25 years old at the time, added bamboo to the composition, endowing the painting with a refreshing charm. The entire work inherits the gentle and refined brushwork style of the Wu School, while incorporating the bright, clear, and lively use of color characteristic of the Shanghai School.