Leng Mei: A Master of Courtly Portraiture in Qing Dynasty China Born in Jiaozhou, Shandong province, during the late 17th century (though precise dates remain elusive), Leng Mei – also known as Jichen – stands as a pivotal figure in the development of Chinese portraiture during the Qing dynasty. His life and artistic journey are inextricably linked to the imperial court, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of Jiao Bingzhen, a renowned artist himself, and ultimately became celebrated for his exquisite depictions of court ladies—a genre that would define much of his legacy. Leng Mei’…