Xu Bin; In the manner of Su Shi, Bamboo, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1735. Ink on paper, 22.23 x 48.58 cm) (fan); 38 x 63.4 cm (with mat). Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton, 96.30.4. © Minneapolis Institute of Art

The artist Xu Bin was not prolific, and little is known about his life and work. In typical scholarly fashion, Xu referred to a past literati (scholar-artist) master in his signature colophon, , or stamp, which reads, “In the brush manner of Su Shi (1031–1101).” To the right of the composition, he also composed a rather enigmatic poem about bamboo:

Flute-making material; cut it, and give it to the dragon’s son.

New shoots, stored up to nourish the phoenix’s grandson.

When the Yugong [a book] described Yangzhou [a city] and its products

It was only appropriate that it regarded its bamboo as beautiful as jade.