The Birth of the Buddha

This masterpiece, attributed to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) master Wu Daozi, exemplifies the "bai miao" technique – a purely linear style of ink painting. Using only brushstrokes of varying thickness, speed, and rhythm, the artist creates a dynamic religious narrative without any color.

The painting depicts a pivotal Buddhist episode: the infant Prince Siddhartha (the future Buddha) being presented to the celestial beings. On the right, a majestic heavenly king sits astride a mythical beast, his solemn gaze directing us leftwards to a divine maiden who gently holds the radiant child. The composition flows seamlessly, guiding the viewer's eye through the assembly of deities and capturing their array of expressions.

For artists and connoisseurs, this painting is a masterclass in the expressive power of line. Wu Daozi's legendary brushwork, described as “floating silk,” captures an astonishing range of textures and latent energy—from the soft flow of robes to the coiled power of the beast. In this tradition, line is far more than contour; it is the essential means of conveying rhythm, movement, and inner spirit.