Mingjian

CHINA, Jiangsu, Zhenjiang; Qing dynasty

Also known by the aliases of Zhiqin or Jigu, Mingjian was a monk and painter from Dantu (present day Zhenjiang, Jiangsu). He renounced at a young age and quickly acquired a solid understanding of Buddhist sutras, teachings, and Chan. His landscape and flower paintings were particularly notable, exhibiting smooth and flowing brushstrokes, with calm and solid ink applications. He painted the famous Two Waterfalls of Yandangshan Mountain in Zhejiang, portraying a snowy, misty scene with vivid detail and vibrancy. Another painting entitled Landscape is kept at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.