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 in the early 17th century. Produced during the Ming Dynasty, this manual reflects the era’s cultural and intellectual pursuits, especially the literati’s deep connection to nature. Note the scholar’s rock—an object of contemplation and a symbol of stability. The very act of painting and calligraphy was a way for scholars to cultivate their moral character. Hu Zhengyan innovated color printing techniques, enabling more nuanced expression. He printed different blocks of color on top of one another to create a more subtle tonal variation. The manual served as both a how-to guide and a statement of artistic values. Reflect on how this artwork captures the literati ideals of harmony with nature, self-cultivation, and the integration of art into daily life. It also shows how art and identity were intertwined for the Ming Dynasty elite.