Artist: Li Zai (?-1431)

Date: Ming (1368-1644)

Dimensions: Height 164.2 cm, Width 95.6 cm

Material: Ink on silk

• Object Type：
  • PAINTINGS
• Location：
  • Chinese Painting Gallery
• Tag：
  • ride on a carp hanging scroll li zai ming ink silk

Li Zai (?-1431), also known by his zi (designated name) Yizheng, was native to Putian, Fujian province. He moved to Yunnan, and later was summoned to the capital to serve as a court painter during the Xuande reign (1426-1435). Skilled in landscape painting, he learned the meticulous brushstrokes from Guo Xi and bold brushstrokes from Ma Yuan and Xia Gui. This painting presents the story of Qin Gao, a Zhou dynasty person from the Zhao State, attaining immortality. The figures are vividly portrayed. Their clothes are drawn with powerful brushstrokes, while trees, water, and rocks are rendered with expressive brushstrokes.