Zhou Fang (Tang dynasty)

Court Lady Tuning the Lute, attributed to Zhou Fang.

Court Ladies Playing Double Sixes, attributed to Zhou Fang.

Zhou Fang (Chinese: 周昉; Wade–Giles: Chou Fang; c. 730–800), courtesy name Zhonglang (仲朗), was an influential painter during the mid-Tang dynasty. Zhou lived in the Tang capital of Chang'an, which is now modern Xi'an, during the 8th century. He came from a noble background and this was reflected in his works, such as Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers (attributed) and Court Lady With Servants. He was influenced by the pure and detailed style of Gu Kaizhi and Lu Tanwei from the Six dynasties in his work. The late Tang art critic Zhu Jingxuan said: "Zhou Fang's Buddha, celestial beings, figures, and paintings of beautiful women are all incredible masterpieces."

Fang Lady With Servants attributed to Zhou Fang.

Court Ladies Wearing Flowered Headdresses attributed to Zhou Fang.

See also

• Zhang Xuan, another significant painter of the middle Tang dynasty.

References

• Skillful Court Lady Painters, describing the work of Zhou Fang and Zhang Xuan