Qichu

CHINA, Jiangsu, Nanjing; Ming to Qing dynasty

Qichu, born Zhu Rui in Jinling (present day Nanjing, Jiangsu), was a monk and painter. Although he was of imperial descent, he decided to renounce at the start of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). His paintings were well appreciated by scholars and Buddhists in Moling (present day Jiangning, Nanjing) and had a great influence on the local style of painting.
Considered to be a pioneer of the Jinling school, Qichu’s paintings appear refreshing and full of spirit. His best-known painting was done in Gaozuo Temple of Jiangsu, when he was close to 80 years of age. Several landscape paintings by Qichu are kept in the Palace Museum in Beijing, and other works such as Ancient Temple in the Forest were recorded in Collections of Painting in the Studies of Zhouli Garden.