Chang Liang Receiving the Text
Li Tsai (?-1431)
Ming Dynasty

　　Li Tsai, a native of Fukien province, was a Painter-in-Attendance in the Hsuan-te era and served in the Jen-chih Hall. In landscapes, he followed the styles of Sung masters. This painting depicts the late Ch'in story of Chang Liang, who helped the elder Huang Shih-kung put his shoes on. In return, Huang gave him a text on military strategy. Chang thus was able to assist Liu Pang, founder of the Han dynasty. The composition is intimate and the figures are behind a waterfall--left blank and represented with a few trembling strokes. The rock forms are done in slanted axe-cut texture strokes. The drapery lines are taut and fluid, and the leaves are simplified as light and dark dots. The brushwork is free and poised, unfettered by details.