Fan Ch'i: A Master of Tranquility and Symbolism Fan Ch'i (1616–1694), born in the vibrant city of Jiangning, stands as a luminous figure among the Eight Masters of Nanjing. His life unfolded during one of China’s most turbulent eras, witnessing the profound transition from the waning Ming dynasty to the establishment of the Qing. This period of dynastic upheaval and the Manchu conquest provided a backdrop of chaos that deeply informed his artistic soul. Rather than engaging in overt political protest, Fan Ch'i sought refuge in the quietude of nature. His work often served as a spiritual sanc…