Guo Songtao

Guo Songtao (sobriquet: Bocan 伯璨，nickname: Yunxian 筠仙) was a native of Xiangyin in Hunan province. He attained the Jinshi degree in the civic service examinations during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1820-50), served as Left Court Gentleman at the Ministry of Military Affairs, and later was sent by the court as a diplomat to Great Britain and France. Guo was renowned for his painting and calligraphy, especially running script.