Yuan Qian

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Liu Song dynasty

Yuan Qian, a native of Wu (present day Suzhou, Jiangsu), was a painter who learned his skill under Lu Tanwei, with strict observance. He was skilled in drawing figures, especially females, in a traditional and simple style. His paintings were noted in Classification of Ancient Painters to possess more elegance and vividness than that of his teacher’s.
His works include paintings of Heavenly Being, Eminent Monks of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420), and on illustration of Vimalakirti. Famous Paintings in History remarks that “Over 100 scenes show his great thinking, and the arrangements are precise as if inspired by deities.” It is speculated that the Northern Dynasties (386–581) sutra illustrations found at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang may have been influenced by Yuan’s exquisite work.