Orchid, 19th century. The Nanga, or "Southern School" painters of 17th- and 18th-century Japan were greatly influenced by Chinese culture. The subjects and styles of their work reflected the contemporary Japanese taste for imported Chinese objects and learning. A common practice among Nanga painters was the exchange of small paintings and calligraphies. They also celebrated special gatherings of artist-friends by producing individual sheets that were then gathered together in albums. The sheets shown here were part of such a gathering.