The Giant Rutabaga from Fu-Yang, c. 1715, Li Shan, Chinese, 1686-1756, H.52-5/16 x W.25-9/16 in. (image), Ink on paper, China, 18th century, Li Shan was born in Xinghua, Jiangsu province, into a prominent family of scholars and officials. He was schooled early on in painting as well as poetry and, during the Kangxi reign (1662-1723), he earned an appointment to the Imperial Study. With the death of the Kangxi emperor, Li Shan moved to Yangzhou where his declining fortune forced him to increasingly paint and produce calligraphy for a living. His talents were recognized and he was eventually categorized as one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou.