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

This is a page from *The Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy*, created by Hu Zhengyan during the late Ming Dynasty in China. This manual served not only as a guide for aspiring artists, but also as a statement of cultural identity in a time of political transition. Zhengyan lived through the collapse of the Ming Dynasty, an era marked by social upheaval. This context deeply influenced his artistic practice. The plum blossom, rendered here with delicate strokes and subtle color gradations, was a symbol of resilience and renewal. Within the traditional arts, calligraphy and painting were seen as practices that cultivated personal expression and moral character. In a society structured by rigid class hierarchies, artistic expression offered avenues for individual agency. Manuals such as this one democratized art making, but also standardized what was considered 'appropriate' subject matter. This image embodies a convergence of personal sentiment, cultural values, and societal norms that speak volumes about identity formation during times of change.