Peng Yulin (1816–1890) was both a celebrated military leader and an accomplished artist. Born in Hengyang, Hunan Province, he rose to prominence during the Taiping Rebellion, earning distinction for his role in the battles of Yuezhou and Tianjiazhen. His military career culminated in his appointment as Minister of War, marking him as one of the Qing dynasty’s most formidable commanders.

Alongside his military achievements, Peng Yulin cultivated a profound artistic practice. Following the tragic death of Meigu (Plum Blossom), the adopted daughter of his maternal grandmother with whom he had fallen in love, Peng vowed to paint 10,000 plum blossoms in her memory. This lifelong vow became the defining feature of his artistic output.
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