Chen Hui, also known by the pseudonym (Hao) Xicun, or the nickname Li’an, was born in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province in 1960. He is proficient in calligraphy, paintings and appreciation and has a taste in inscriptions, especially the art of tip rubbing. He used to study bronze and stone inscriptions, calligraphy as well as painting from the Chinese painting master, Mr. You Wuqu, and he was mentored by Mr. Sun Qu on classic verses and ancient poetry. The systematic learning in his early days has contributed to his strong background in traditional culture, endowing him with a keen and distinguished sense of traditional aesthetics.

In his youth, he visited many famous mountains and ancient temples where he made friends with senior monks. The connection with Buddhism has gradually injected Chan spirit into his artistic style, and Chan can be found in his calligraphy, painting and inscription works.
Since the middle age, he has been devoting himself in tip rubbing following the principles of philosophy, classic literature and Chan Culture. By integrating traditional calligraphy and painting languages and modern aesthetic concepts with tip rubbing creation, he’s taken the traditional tip rubbing art to a new level.

His publications include:
Journals of Engravers, Calligraphers and Painters of Modern Times; Treasure Appraisal Series for Chinese Art Investment (on Bamboo, Wood, Tooth and Horn Artworks); Supplements to Famous Kwan-yin Paintings through the Ages; Nantong Traditional Oak Wood and Hazel Wood Furniture; Inscriptions in Liuyun Mountain Perch; The True Sought from Small Artistic Skills; Xicun Collections of Seal Stamps in the Year of Geng Wu; and Li’an Studies (9 varieties, 18 volumes in total)