A Life Bridging Tradition and the Modern Market Ren Yi, born Ren Run in 1840 in Hangwu Mountain, Shaoxing Prefecture, Zhejiang province, was a pivotal figure in late Qing dynasty painting. He is more commonly known by his courtesy name, Bonian, a testament to the importance of artistic identity within Chinese culture. His life unfolded during a period of immense social and economic upheaval, as China grappled with internal strife and increasing foreign influence. Unlike many scholars who pursued art as a refined pastime, Ren Yi was born into a family of rice merchants, and initially suppleme…