Zhou Fang

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

Also known as Jing Xuan or Zhong Lang, Zhou Fang was a painter from Chang’an (present day Xi’an, Shaanxi). He was particularly skilled in painting figures, horses, and Buddhist images. Under the guidance of Zhang Xuan, he learned to paint portraits of women, often depicting the leisurely and carefree lifestyles of the upper class.
Between 785 and 804 during the Tang dynasty, Zhou was summoned to paint murals at Zhangjing Temple in Shaanxi. After taking public criticism and suggestions, he improved the paintings, resulting in their being highly praised. His depiction of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, encircled by light and amid bamboo groves, was widely imitated by other folk painters. In reference to another depiction of Avalokitesvara by Zhou, Famous Paintings in History regarded it as “an amazing creation of the Water-Moon Avalokitesvara expressed in solemnity.” Records of Famous Painters from the Tang Dynasty also praises Zhou’s paintings.
Zhou’s portraits are characterized by their vivid and spiritual appearance. It is said that Zhou and another renowned Tang dynasty (618–907) artist, Han Gan, each painted a portrait of Emperor Zhaozong; however, it was difficult to discern which was superior. Ultimately, Madam Zhao concluded that Han’s attempt was successful in retaining the emperor’s physical form, but Zhou’s captured more of his spiritual essence, deeming it the better portrait. His figure paintings were characterized by alluring and voluptuous forms, and he was skilled in expressing the figure’s inner spirit while reflecting their outer lifestyle. The painting of Mahadevi, presently kept at Yakushiji Temple in Japan, exhibits the quintessence of Zhou’s style.
Xuanhe Catalog of Paintings recorded several of Zhou’s paintings including Three Officials and True Shape of the Five Planets. The painting, Court Ladies Wearing Flowered Headdresses, which is attributed to him, is kept at the Liaoning Provincial Museum in Shenyang, and Musical Performance is retained at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.