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.'
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