Longevity Buddha

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This picture was painted by Jin Nong, a Qing dynasty (1644–1911) artist and poet, when he was 73 years old. Jin was a native of Renhe, Zhejiang, and one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, a group of artists known for their bold, individual styles. His devotion to Buddhism is apparent in the inscription, in which he refers to himself as a monastic at heart. The painting is dedicated to his friend Zhang Geng, who wrote an inscription on the lower left corner.
Longevity Buddha stands beneath a tree, holding a tall staff. The Buddha wears an orange robe painted with natural, unrestrained strokes. Both the sides and tip of the brush are used to give each line a varied appearance. Fine, delicate lines are used to depict the face. The large leaves of the tree are outlined with both faint and dark ink.