Cheng Chung

Original: Hanging scroll, colors and gold leaf on silk, 191.9 x 81.5 cm

This image of the historical Buddha, replete with sumptuous jeweled throne and canopy, is one of immeasurable mercy and tranquility. Signed in the lower left hand corner, the inscription reads: "Cheng Chung respectfully paints this image of Buddha." Emperor Ch'ien Lung of the Ch'ing dynasty also added the inscription found above the painting.

Cheng Chung (active from 1612-1648), was a native of Hsi county, Anhwei province but resided in Nanking most of his life. His tzu (style name) was Ch'ien-li. He was known for his fastidious nature, sipping only the finest tea and preferring to live in the cleaner upper stories of buildings away from dusty streets below. Cheng Chung excelled in painting images of the Buddha. As a cathartic ritual before painting, the artist would follow a vegetarian diet, bathe himself thoroughly and only then pick up his brush to paint.

Cheng Chung also painted small landscape vignettes. All of his works were executed with meticulous detail, surpassing all others during his time.

Artist seals: one seal, which reads 'Ch'ung sheng.'

Collectors' seals: seal of Ch'ing Emperor Ch'ien-lung, 'Mi tien Chu-lin.'