Painter Lao Shu's Chinese ink-wash paintings portray a featureless gentleman named Mr Minguo, who wears a long robe and cotton shoes and lives in a dreamy, ideal realm reminiscent of the Republic of China era (1912-1949), and lead viewers to escape momentarily from the bonds of everyday life. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Paintings and poetry by Lao Shu feature Mr Minguo, a featureless but powerful figure living a simple yet profound life

Lao Shu, or "Old Tree", is not a professional painter. Yet, he has gained considerable fame via Chinese social media for his Chinese ink-wash paintings accompanied by his poetry.

His work's popularity has been attributed to subject matter that reflects what people most want today - a slower-paced, leisurely life.

Lao Shu's style is simple and light. But the meaning behind his work is quite profound. The human character in Lao Shu's quiet world is named Mr Minguo.

Portrayed as a gentleman wearing a long robe and cotton shoes reminiscent of the Republic of China (known as "Mingguo" in Chinese) era (1912-1949), he walks along farm lanes, sits under trees, stands by a creek, or leans on a broken wall.