Liang Kai (fl. early 13th century), sobriquet “Liang Fengzi,” was a native of Dongping, Shandong and a court painter of the Southern Song dynasty. Known for his free-spirited nature, he enjoyed drinking and lived unconstrained by social norms.

 

The Yuan Dynasty painter Xia Wenyan (c. 1312–1370) wrote: “Liang Kai, a descendant of Xiang Yi of Dongping, excels in painting figures, landscapes, Taoist and Buddhist themes, and supernatural beings. Following Jia Shigu’s style, Liang’s works are refined yet transcendent, surpassing his master. He serves as a court painter during the Jiatai period. When awarded a gold belt, he refuses it, hanging it in the court instead. He indulges in drinking, calling himself ‘Liang Fengzi.’ His masterpieces are universally revered, yet his surviving works are characterized by simplicity, often called ‘reduced brushwork.’” A closer look at this painting reveals that the figures’ heads and facial features are meticulously outlined with fine brushwork, while their garments are rendered with bold, freehand ink washes, achieving simplicity in form through minimal strokes. Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799) composed a poetic inscription describing the scene as depicting immortals in a drunken revelry, possibly the inspiration behind the painting’s title. This style, rich in Zen aesthetics and executed with reductive yet expressive brushwork, aligns with historical records and was greatly admired by Japanese monks and laypeople, profoundly influencing Japanese Zen paintings.

 

There are speculations about this painting being a replica, or that it represents an image of a Zen mage sage. However, its unique artistic style reflects vibrant, contemporary characteristics and techniques while connecting to its traditional lineage. The piece offers valuable insight into the painter’s innovative synthesis of historical elements and his creative intent, contributing significantly to our understanding of Liang Kai’s artistry. It remains an irreplaceable treasure for studying the development and evolution of Chinese figure painting.