The Chinese painter Chao Meng-fu (1254-1322) was a high official under the Yüan dynasty, 1279-1369, and helped to establish the tradition of amateur scholarly painting, wen-jen-hua.

Chao Meng-fu was born at Huchow in Chekiang Province. He was a descendant of the Sung dynasty imperial family and destined for a brilliant official career. But while he was still in a junior post, the Sung dynasty fell and he retired into private life. In 1286, however, he was persuaded to take office under the Mongol conquerors of China. He often regretted his decision, but in the course of his long career he helped to soften the attitude of the Mongols toward their Chinese subjects. He served under five emperors and held several important posts, including that of director of the Hanlin Academy of Letters and governor of Chekiang and Kiangsi provinces. He was greatly admired in his lifetime, and...