3618595 Pages from an album of flowers, birds, insect and fish, Qing Dynasty, 1688-89 (ink on paper) by Bada Shanren, Zhu da (c.1624-1705); each leaf 25.5x23 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, USA; (add.info.: Artist: Bada Shanren (Zhu Da) ?怠之撅曹犖 (?梯??? (1626-1705) Calligrapher: Fayi (late 17th century) In the early years of his secular life, Bada Shanren painted mainly for pleasure and often gave his works away as gifts. By the mid-1680s, however, his need for recognition and income drove him to become a professional artist working for hire. In addition to landscapes, Bada\'s favorite themes during this period cover subjects such as birds, fish, insects, flowers, bamboo, lotus, and other small plants and creatures. Throughout the decade, flat, angular brushwork utilizing the side hairs of the brush continued to characterize Bada\'s paintings and calligraphy. He also perfected his technique of layering ink by allowing the first application to almost dry before adding the next, creating a subtle texturing, tonal variation, and visual depth to his deceptively simple works.); Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution; Purchase - Charles Lang Freer Endowment; Chinese, out of copyright.