Yi Da’an, born in Heshan, Guangdong Province, was a seal carver and professor of music. He started his higher learning in Guangya College and transferred to Shanghai Aurora University, then studied in Japan.`He could speak English, Franch, and Japanese and was expert in literature, calligraphy, painting, seal carve, etc. He taught in National Music Academy, Jinan University, and Beijing Normal University after returning from Japan. He also established Huanan Press and Jinshi Calligraphy and Painting Publishing House with Huang Binhong to publish publications on Chinese art.