Chen Rong, Nine Dragons Hand Scroll, 1244

If you couldn't tell by this, one of his more well-known works, Chen Rong specialized in painting dragons. Created during the Song Dynasty, the Nine Dragons painting emits a vibe of raw power and yet lithe grace.

An avid follower of the Dao concept, Chen Rong was the Song Dynasty's hipster, painting with only black rather than the bright colors of other paintings during the time. He was not elaborate with his materials, for he used the most basic black ink and mere paper instead of silk.

The dragons that Chen Rong creates seemingly circulate the painting, ceaseless in their movements. Some scholars interpret the disappearing and reappearing dragons as a painting representation of meditation in Daoism. Nevertheless, the inky smoke, the wispy clouds, and the playful yet ferocious dragons represent a beautiful part of the Chinese culture where Dragons are revered.