Bamboo and poem 1600 - 1632

This folding fan, or *zhibai* in Chinese, was painted by Zhu Lu, a highly respected scholar-official, between 1600 and 1632. This artwork is an example of *wenrenhua*, a style of painting that favored literati artists' simple and evocative styles. Zhu Lu's hand-drawn *xieyi* ink style is evident in the elegant depiction of bamboo, a symbol of resilience and strength. The fan's inscription is a poem by the artist, further enriching its aesthetic and intellectual qualities. The fan is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where art lovers can appreciate the intricacies of Zhu Lu's work and the cultural significance of this timeless art form.