Wang Zhenpeng
Master of Yuan court-style fine brushwork
Wang Zhenpeng(王振鹏) (birth and death years unknown, some say around 1278–1329) was styled Pengmei(朋梅). His original hometown was Kuaiji (now Shaoxing, Zhejiang), later moving to Yongjia (now Wenzhou, Zhejiang). According to the Yongle Encyclopedia, he was considered a native of Rui’an, and his father was posthumously honored as the Prefect of Rui’an. He was a painter during the Yuan dynasty, skilled in figure painting and court-style paintings. He was granted the title 'Hermit of Solitary Clouds' by Emperor Renzong of Yuan and later awarded the title 'High Scholar of the Imperial Court' by Emperor Wenzong of Yuan. Around 1310, Wang Zhenpeng presented 'Dragon Pool Racing Boats' to the then Crown Prince, the future Emperor Renzong. After Renzong ascended the throne, Wang also presented other court-style works like 'Da Ming Palace' and 'Da An Pavilion,' earning him the title 'Hermit of Solitary Clouds.' In 1314, he was transferred to the Secretariat to manage palace books and paintings. In 1323, he created the scroll 'Scenic Views of Rivers and Mountains.' By 1327, he had become a Civil Head of the Canal Transport Office. He likely passed away around 1328–1329. Some of his surviving works include 'Boya Playing the Zither,' the scroll 'Scenic Views of Rivers and Mountains,' 'Epang Palace,' 'Jinming Pool,' 'Vimalakirti Not Two,' and 'Dragon Pool Racing Boats.' Some works signed by Wang Zhenpeng have disputed authenticity. His students, including Wei Jiuding, Li Rongjin, and Xia Yong, carried on his court-style painting techniques.