Zheng Xie

Zheng Xie (zh-tsp|t=鄭燮|s=郑燮|p=Zhèng Xiè)(1693-1765), commonly known as Zheng Banqiao (zh-tsp|t=鄭板橋|s=郑板桥|p=Zhèng Bǎnqiáo) was a painter from Jiangsu. He began life in poverty, but rose in the exam system to become a magistrate at Shandong. However, after 12 years, he became critical of the life of an official because he reportedly was criticized for building a shelter for the poor, and so he resigned. After that, he expressed himself in art and became one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou. He was noted for his drawing of orchids, bamboo, and stones. In 1748 he briefly resumed an official career as "official calligrapher and painter" for the Qianlong emperor, but was fired in 1753 following a corruption charge.

He was also a calligrapher who created a new calligraphy style influenced by his orchid drawings. Added to this, he had an interest in literature and poetry. He preferred to write about ordinary people in a natural style.

External links

* [http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_artqa/2003-09/24/content_39699.htm China Culture on him]
* [http://www.chinapage.com/zhengbanqiao.html Zheng Xie's works at China Page]
* [http://www.artnet.com/library/09/0934/T093435.asp Art Net]