Lü Ji: The Radiant Master of Ming Dynasty Bird-and-Flower Painting Lü Ji (c. 1506 – posthumously 1583), courtesy name Tingzhen and sobriquet Leyu, stands as one of the most revered figures in Chinese art history—a testament to artistic excellence achieved during the tumultuous Ming Dynasty. Born in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Lü Ji’s life unfolded amidst a period of significant cultural revival following decades of upheaval, shaping his artistic vision and cementing his legacy as arguably the foremost painter of his era. Early Influences and Artistic Training Lü Ji's formative years were ma…