Zhao Yuanyan

CHINA; Northern Song dynasty

Zhao Yuanyan was a painter and calligrapher, as well as the 8th son of Emperor Taizong (reigned 976–997) of the Northern Song dynasty. Well known for his noble character, he was referred to as the Virtuous Eighth Prince, and was posthumously honored as Prince of Yan. He was skilled in painting birds, animals, and people. He practiced the calligraphic styles of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi, and engaged himself in the “feibai” style. Zhao enjoyed reading and collecting books, and his writings were equally renowned.
Zhao drafted a painting of the Sixteen Arhats and invited the artist Yin Zhi of Shu (present day Sichuan) to apply color to it. The work is collected in Overview of Painting, with commentary stating, “Endowed with multiple talents, Zhao Yuanyan was an expert in capturing likenesses.” Another painting of Cranes and Bamboos is also highly praised: “Cinnabar crowns and snow white feathers bring delicacy to life; emerald leaves and frosted bamboo skins convey elegance to the utmost.”