Zhao Gongyou

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

Zhao Gongyou was Buddhist painter originally from Chang’an (present day Xi’an, Shaanxi) but later lived in Chengdu, Sichuan. His works, greatly respected by the governor Li Deyu, employed powerful yet smooth and fine lines which rendered lively images of the Buddha filled with compassion and dignity. Records of Famous Paintings in Yizhou stated that Zhao’s achievements in painting Buddhist murals were incomparable.
Many temple murals in the Chengdu area were painted by Zhao between 826 and 840. Unfortunately, Records of Famous Paintings in Yizhou also reveals that the majority of these murals were destroyed during the Buddhist persecution. Extant murals include Four Heavenly Kings in the Manjusri Pavilion of Daci Temple in Sichuan; Four Heavenly Kings and Twelve Yaksa Generals in the Medicine Buddha Courtyard; and Heavenly Kings and Attendants at Shijing Temple.
Also an artist, Zhao’s son, Zhao Wenqi, painted the mural of Sakra in Daci Temple.