Wang Daozhen

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Northern Song dynasty

Skilled in painting Buddhist images and figures, Wang Daozhen, also known as Ganshu, was an artist from Xinfan, Shu (present day Xindu, Chengdu). On a recommendation from Gao Wenjin during the rule of Emperor Taizong (reigned 976–997) of the Northern Song dynasty, he entered the Imperial Painting Academy, and was later promoted to painter-in-attendance.
In 975, Wang worked alongside Gao Wenjin, Li Yongji, and Li Xiangkun to restore the murals originally painted by Gao Yi at Xiangguo Temple in Henan. He subsequently painted a mural of a Twelve-Headed Avalokitesvara on the right side of the west door of the main hall, and a mural depicting Anathapindada Purchasing Jetavana Grove, on the right side of the east door. He also worked with Gao Wenjin in the painting of a large deity at Xiangguo Temple, and later they painted murals at the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace. His paintings are recorded in Overview of Painting.