Tian Sengliang

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Qi to Northern Zhou dynasty (550–581)

Tian Sengliang was a painter and official who was active between the late Northern Qi (550–577) and early Northern Zhou (557–581) dynasties. Famous Paintings in History documents the works of Tian and stated that although they are not as intricate, Tian’s works are comparable to those of Zhan Ziqian’s, and his depictions of ordinary people are considered “most notable works.” Tian’s paintings are reminiscent of the style seen in the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties.
Works by Tian that are recorded in Painting Annals of the Zhenguan Period include murals at Guangming Temple and Guiyi Temple in Shaanxi. Also, according to Famous Paintings in History, Tian, alongside Yang Qidan and Zheng Fashi, painted the walls of the pagoda at Guangming Temple; Zheng painted the east and north walls, Tian painted the west and south walls, and the outer walls were painted by Yang. Collectively, they are known as the Three Perfections.