Li Wencai

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Later Shu Kingdom

Li Wencai was a painter from Huayang (present day Shuangliu, Chengdu) who was skilled in portraiture, architecture, and landscape depictions. He was often considered to be highly-reputed and was deemed by many to be superior to Zhou Fang, as well as a well-recognized successor to Yan Liben.
Li became known for his painting of Stalagmite of Xingyi Gate during the Later Shu Kingdom (934–965). During the rule of Emperor Meng Chang (reigned 934–965), he became a painter-in-attendance and was commissioned to paint portraits of the imperial families, military figures, and civil servants, several of which appear on the walls of Jianzhen Hall at Daci Temple in Chengdu. Li was subsequently appointed to various positions such as lecturer and officer at Hanlin Academy.
Li’s renowned extant mural works include the portraits of Master Xuanzang, National Master Dinghui, and National Master Fengsheng. A portrait of Chan Master Wuzhi by Li is found at Yingtian Temple in Sichuan, while several of his works are documented in Records of Famous Paintings in Yizhou.