[Kuo Hsizi Shunfu] (b Wen xian, Henan Province, c. 1020; d c. 1090). Chinese painter and theorist. He is considered one of the most important of the late 11th-century masters. Guo Ruoxu (fl. 11th century), a minor official at the court of Bianliang (modern Kaifeng), in the Tuhua jianwen zhi ('Experiences in painting'; 1075) described Guo as supreme among the landscape painters of his generation. Other contemporary critics acclaimed his creativity, the spontaneity of his composition, and the dexterity and versatility of his brushwork. Guo’s ideas on the principles of landscape painting, as recorded by his son Guo Si (fl. c. 1070–1123), are also important. Very few details of Guo’s life are known. In 1068 he was summoned to paint a screen for the imperial palace. He received special recognition from the emperor Shenzong (reg 1068–1085) for his introduction of an innovative way of painting. He also served other emperors but was not equally honored. Nevertheless, he remained at court, becoming an assistant teacher (...