Two Riders

Bao Shichen, a literatus better known as a seal carver and calligrapher than as a painter, wrote an influential treatise, Paired Oars for the Boat of Art, in support of the bold calligraphic styles found in carved stone monuments (bei) of the Six Dynasties period. Bao's appreciation of the new aesthetic led others to value contemporary experiments in bei styles by such calligraphers as Deng Shiru (1743–1805).

Bao's calligraphy, still in the style of informal brush-written models (tie), dominates this painting, not only in the form of a long inscription but also in the emblematic use of a conventional image rendered in simply brushed ink line and wash. The inscription is Bao's commentary on ambition:

Some chase fame at court. Some chase gain in the market. He who attains fame returns content; he who attains wealth returns secure. There are so many who never cease to strive. The universe is huge and never-ending, with myriads of people and as many ambitions.

Trans. adapted from Ellsworth et al., Later Chinese Painting]

But nowhere is the huge universe would Bao's ambitions be satisfied: he repeated failed the examinations for the jinshi (presented scholar) degree that would have earned him a higher post in government service.