Zheng Xie 鄭燮

Zheng Xie, also known as Zheng Banqiao, was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet born in 1693 in Xinghua, Jiangsu province, and he passed away in 1765. He was a prominent figure of the Qing Dynasty and is best known as one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou," a group of artists who were known for their unconventional styles and rejection of traditional artistic norms. Zheng Xie's work is characterized by his unique calligraphy and paintings of bamboo, orchids, and stones, which often conveyed philosophical and moral messages. His career included a period of official service as a magistrate, but he eventually resigned to focus on his art and poetry, which allowed him greater freedom of expression. Zheng Xie's contributions to Chinese art are significant for their innovative approach and the blending of painting, poetry, and calligraphy, which influenced subsequent generations of artists. His legacy is celebrated for its embodiment of individualism and the spirit of resistance against rigid artistic conventions.