The black camel paints his way to glory

The distinctive karst landscapes of Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, particularly its unusual mountains, fascinated preeminent modern painters like Liu Haisu (1896-1994) and Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010). The jagged spires, the serene Lijiang River snaking between them, bright colors and misty atmosphere all inspired fine work.

The area also played a pivotal role in the career of Li Luogong (1917-92), who lived and worked in Guilin from the 1960s. Having gained reputation in oils, Li, who was prompted by the area's natural beauty, invested more time in jinshi (the study of ancient artifacts and inscriptions), calligraphy and the traditional art of seal engraving.

He integrated the mountains, caves and streams that he lived among into the creation of Chinese characters he engraved and wrote.