A framed painting by Shitao entitled "Mists on the Mountain".

Shitao (1642 to 1707) was a chinese painter during the Qing Dynasty. Born in Quanzhou County in Guangxi province, Shi Tao was a member of the Ming royal house. He narrowly avoided catastrophe in 1644 when the Ming Dynasty fell to invading Manchurians and civil rebellion. Having escaped by chance from the fate to which his lineage would have assigned him, Shi Tao assumed the name Yuanji Shi Tao no later than 1651 when he became a Buddhist monk. Shi Tao is one of the most famous individualist painters of the early Qing dynasty. The art he created was revolutionary in its transgressions of the rigidly codified techniques and styles that dictated what was considered beautiful. Imitation was valued over innovation, and although Shi Tao was clearly influenced by his predecessors, namely Ni Zan and Li Yong, his art breaks with theirs in several new and fascinating ways. His following statement clearly indicates his independence. If someone asks whether I, Shi Tao, follow the Southern or the Northern School, or whether either school follows me, I hold my belly laughing and reply, I always use my own method.