Li Jian(黎简)

Li Jian(黎简) (1748—1799), Chinese, Qing Dynasty (r. 1644–1911), styled Jianmin and Erqiao, was a renowned Qing Dynasty painter, poet, and calligrapher from Shunde, Guangdong. Known as one of the "Four Masters of Eastern Guangdong", he mastered the "Four Excellences" – poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving. Despite never holding official posts, he gained national fame through innovative landscape paintings blending Shi Tao's bold brushwork with Yuan dynasty techniques. His works like "Five Hundred and Four Peaks Studio Poetry Collection" showcased unique aesthetics combining literary depth with visual experimentation. A nonconformist spirit, he famously rejected meetings with celebrity scholars like Yuan Mei, while his alcohol-fueled creative sessions became legendary. His integration of Zhe School colors with Lingnan naturalism laid foundations for Guangdong's artistic identity.