Fan Qiong

CHINA, Sichuan; Tang dynasty

Fan Qiong was a painter who was born in Shu (present day Sichuan). A devoted Buddhist since his youth, Fan became renowned for his paintings of the Buddha, Heavenly Kings, Arhats, in addition to other figures. He often resided in temples, living with monastics, and diligently practicing generosity. When he came of old age, Fan requested to be buried in a monk’s robe beside the Sangha Stupa.
Over the course of 20 years, Fan had lived in various temples, including Shengshou, Shengxing, and Zhongxing temples, and painted more than 200 temple murals featuring Buddhist themes throughout Sichuan. His outstanding works include a painting of the Buddha in Shengshou Temple, and the Ten Great Disciples in Shengxing Temple.
Fan’s many works are documented in several art history books including Xuanhe Catalog of Paintings and History of Painting. Compassionate Avalokitesvara, purported to be a painting by him, is currently kept at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.