Ren Bonian

In Shanghai he became a member of the Shanghai School which fused popular and traditional styles. Bonian ranked with Ren Xiong, Ren Xun and Ren Yu as the "Four Rens." He was noted for his bold brushstrokes and use of color. In his earlier career the Song dynasty painters influenced him, but later on he favored a freer style influenced by the works of Zhu Da.

Training under Ren Xun and Ren Xiong is recorded. The recorded working language is Chinese. The field of work recorded is shan shui, portrait and bird-and-flower painting. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are Shanghai School. Ren Hesheng and Chen Hongshou are recorded as an influence. Places of work recorded in the authority are Shanghai. Works named in the authority record are Mandarin Ducks and Lotus, Paradise Flycatchers and Wisteria, The Five Virtues, Mynah and Bamboo, Birds on Red Plum and Figure in a boat under a wintry tree. Work by Ren Bonian is recorded in the collections of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Ashmolean Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, National Museum of World Cultures and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Illustration — Portrait of Gao Yong's Wife by Rèn Yi, 1886, Honolulu Museum of Art • Illustration — Playing the Flute, 1860–80, Walters Art Museum