Zhao Yun

Zhao Yun was a military general of the Three Kingdoms period in China. He was courageous, resourceful and a trusted man of Liu Bei.
This painting features a scene of Zhao Yun holding Liu Bei’s son close to his chest to protect him from bombardment.
The red and gold splashes brushed from the ground seemingly depicts the shell bursts.
The startled horse rising on its hind legs looks like a caricature that is almost a comical portrait with exaggerated features. while the figure of Zhao Yun gains his dignity which is created by the thick and lively moving outline and wrinkle of his robe. This powerful and speedy touch drawing in Indian ink is the specialty of the Kanō school.