Page from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy 1633

This page from the *Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy* created by Hu Zhengyan in 1633, is a remarkable example of Chinese art. It showcases the artist's skill in capturing the essence of nature through the expressive use of ink and brushwork. The composition, featuring a lone rock formation rendered in shades of gray, exemplifies the *xieyi* style of painting, which emphasizes capturing the essence of a subject rather than a precise depiction. The *Ten Bamboo Studio Manual* itself is a significant work, renowned for its detailed instructions on various artistic techniques, and this page from it offers a glimpse into the artistic ideals of the Ming Dynasty.