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

This page from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy, a collection of artistic techniques created by Hu Zhengyan, depicts a blossoming tree with a gnarled trunk and branches stretching out towards the viewer. The painting, dated 1633, showcases the delicate brushwork characteristic of the Chinese literati style, which emphasizes the natural beauty of the subject. The minimal use of color and the sparse background create a sense of calm and serenity, inviting the viewer to contemplate the delicate relationship between nature and art. The Ten Bamboo Studio manual, known for its illustrative approach to painting and calligraphy, aimed to popularize these arts among amateurs.