Li Rihua 李日華

Li Rihua (1565–1635) was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and art collector during the late Ming Dynasty. He was part of the literati movement, which emphasized scholarly pursuits and the integration of poetry, painting, and calligraphy. Li Rihua is renowned for his contributions to the development of literati painting, which valued personal expression and the artist's inner world over formal technique. His work and extensive art collection significantly influenced the cultural landscape of his time, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts among the scholarly elite. Li Rihua's diaries, particularly the "Weishui Xuan Riji," provide valuable insights into the art and society of the late Ming period. His legacy is marked by his role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of China through both his artistic endeavors and his writings.