About Chen Jiru
Lived 1558 – 1639 (aged 80–81). Chen Jiru was a Chinese painter, writer, calligrapher, poet and autobiographer.
Chen Jiru (; 1558–1639) was a Chinese landscape painter, calligrapher and essayist during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Chen was born in Huating (华亭; His courtesy name was Zhongchun (仲醇) and his pseudonyms were Migong (麋公) and Meigong (眉公). Chen's calligraphy followed the style of Su Shi and Mi Fu. Chen also painted landscapes and elegant still lifes.
In 1595, he wrote Tea Talks (茶董補), still often quoted in China and Japan, and he studied pottery and created purple clay teapots in the Yixing style. His Shallow Comments on the Art of Nourishing Life as well as A Gentleman's Remarks on Diet were a reference for many years.
He was a notable author of the xiaopin, a form of short literary essay.
Chen Jiru left an autobiography which contains a "patently fictitious account of the circumstances of his own death, a most extraordinary innovation," writes the modern scholar Pei-yi Wu, describing Chen as "a member of the literati known for his versatile artistic talents."
In 2007, Jamie Greenbaum, a researcher at the University of Beijing, published a book on Chen Jiru's writings which provides an overview of his larger-than-life personality, as well as an account of the different literary personae he invented.
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Important facts
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Zhengjun, Zhongshun, Ch'en Chi-ju, Midaoren, MeigongContemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Chen Jiru's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Chen Jiru?
Chinese artist (1558-1639)
When was Chen Jiru born?
Chen Jiru was born in 1558 in Songjiang.
When did Chen Jiru die?
Chen Jiru died in 1639.
What was Chen Jiru's occupation?
Chen Jiru was a painter, writer, calligrapher, poet and autobiographer.
What nationality was Chen Jiru?
Chen Jiru was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Chen Jiru. https://biography.guide/chen-jiru/
MLA: "Chen Jiru." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/chen-jiru/.
Chicago: "Chen Jiru." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/chen-jiru/.
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