Crippled Zhang Meets Hunchback Li, early 17th century, Cao Xi, Chinese, active 1600 - 1637, 41 15/16 x 11 1/2 in. (106.52 x 29.21 cm) (image)79 13/16 x 19 7/8 in. (202.72 x 50.48 cm) (without roller), Ink on paper, China, 17th century, Two lively wise men are shown here engaging in expressive conversation under a drooping pine tree. The inscription, however, adds a layer of political commentary to this work, which was executed around the time of the collapse of the increasingly corrupt Ming court, resulting in the Manchu takeover in 1644. The poem implies that the men, whose bodies are bent, have better characters (i.e., stand straighter) than those in the corrupt court. It reads.