Wang Mian

Wang Mian (王冕, 1287-1359), also known by the courtesy name Yuanzhang (元章), and the sobriquets Laocun (老村) and Meihua Weng (梅花翁), was a Chinese painter, poet, and calligrapher who lived during the Yuan Dynasty. He is best known for his paintings of plum blossoms (meihua), which he rendered in a distinct, bold style, often using ink splashes and rough brushstrokes to capture their spirit.

Born in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, Wang Mian came from a humble background. He reportedly declined to serve as an official, preferring instead to dedicate his life to art and literature. He supported himself by selling his paintings and writing. Wang Mian was renowned for his integrity and his disdain for the corruption he observed in the Yuan court.

His artistic style influenced later generations of painters, particularly those who emphasized self-expression and a direct connection to nature. Wang Mian's work broke from the more formal and academic traditions, paving the way for a more individualistic approach to art. He is considered a significant figure in the development of literati painting.