Master Hongyi's Long Scroll of Arhats

Author: Hou Hui
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Master Hongyi was a once-in-a-generation figure in the history of Chinese art. It has long been believed that after Li Shuxiang became a monk, he excelled only in calligraphy and other arts were neglected. In fact, this is not the case. From the surviving paintings and scrolls left by the master's disciples, as well as some works recently unearthed by collectors, it is evident that Li Shuxiang's painting skills remained profound and his craftsmanship exceptionally high, representing an artistic peak. However, unlike his calligraphy, his paintings did not circulate widely among the public and were hidden in remote mountains, little known to the world. According to expert assessments, his painting creations spanned from 1929 to 1933, when the master often resided in Baishi Lake, Shangyu, or Fajie Temple in Cixi. Currently, the only living disciple of Master Hongyi, Zhang Renxi, after examining the work, stated that the master's solid foundation in Western painting and his profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization are perfectly reflected in this painting, making it a masterpiece in the history of Buddhist-themed art in China. A layman, the collector of Master Hongyi's post-monk paintings, has been engaged in formal authentication work for three years. Through extensive evaluations, this collection of Master Hongyi's works has been highly praised by renowned figures in the art world, especially by his disciples and professional researchers. In November 2004, Xiling Press published the Rakan Paintings of Master Hongyi, edited by the author, marking the beginning of the publication of this collection of Master Hongyi's post-monk paintings. This was a groundbreaking event in the Chinese art world and will influence the reevaluation of modern Chinese art history. Following the Rakan Paintings of Master Hongyi, Xiling Press has now released the magnificent Long Scroll of Rakan by Master Hongyi. This scroll was painted in March of the lunar calendar in 1932 and created at Fulong Temple in Zhenhai (now part of Cixi, Zhejiang). The core of the scroll measures 890 centimeters in length and 31 centimeters in height, featuring 100 images of rakan, essentially a "hundred-buddha" scroll, which was clearly a deliberate arrangement by Master Hongyi. The latter part of the scroll includes handwritten calligraphy by Master Hongyi of the Sutra on the Five Great Blessings.