Nine Dragons in a Handscroll
Chen Rong’s epic scroll painting is a masterpiece of calligraphic brushwork, innovative painting technique, visual storytelling, and magic… all rolled into one!
In thirteenth-century China, Chen Rong was recognised as the dragon-master. His legendary handscroll painting of The Nine Sons of the Dragon, imbued with magical powers to control the weather, was intended for a Taoist temple but would be coveted by collectors and Emperors. First catalogued in 1244, his masterpiece was famous throughout the land and became the reference work for other artists when rendering dragons. Indeed, the Dragon Screen of the Forbidden City itself was based on it, by Imperial decree. As were the many copies of that architectural feature that followed over the ensuing centuries.
The scroll itself is a big, beautiful illustration and despite being eight centuries old, the delicate yet dynamic style still appeals to the modern eye as an accomplished work of fantasy art. The nine dragons swirl in and out of amorphous clouds, waves, and waterfalls along its 11-metre length. Their sinuous curves and coils entwine land, sea, and sky. The face of each individual dragon dramatically expresses its distinct personality and attributes.
