Career
He was a painter, poet, and seal-carver. He later became associated with the Yangzhou school of painters. Gāo Fènghàn is not usually considered of the eight Yangzhou eccentrics, but is associational.
Like his father, he served a minor post in the bureaucracy, but this did not occur until 1739.
In 1736, this job led to his imprisonment. The following year, injuries during his time in prison combined with arthritis to disable his right hand.
After that he painted with his left. These paintings have since gained some renown among Chinese art collectors.