Egret by the Pool 

"Egret by the Pool" is a Chinese ink and wash painting by the renowned artist Bada Shanren, also known as Zhu Da. Created in the early 18th century, this piece showcases Shanren's mastery of depicting nature with a minimalist approach. The artwork features a solitary egret in a marsh-like setting, with reeds and a few scattered pebbles, painted with delicate strokes that evoke a sense of tranquility and solitude. Shanren's use of negative space and stark contrast between black and white enhances the feeling of calm and serenity in the scene. This painting exemplifies Shanren's style of "literati painting," which emphasized personal expression and a connection with nature.