Wu Dao Zi, Flying Demon, c. 8th century
In the palace of Ming Huang, the walls were of great size
and upon one of these the Emperor ordered Wu Dao Zi to paint a landscape. The
Artist prepared his materials, and concealing the wall with curtains commenced
his work. After a little while he drew aside the veil, and there lay a glorious
scene, with mountains, forests, clouds, men, birds and all things as in Nature.
While the Emperor gazed upon it with admiration, Wu Dao Zi pointing to a
certain part of the picture, said: ‘Behold this temple grot at the foot of the
mountain – within it dwells a spirit.’ Then clapping his hands, the gate of the
cave suddenly opened. ‘ The Interior is beautiful beyond conception’, continued
the artist. ‘permits me to show the way, that your Majesty may behold the
marvels it contains.’ He passed within, turning round to the beckon his patron
to follow, but in a moment the gateway closed, and before the amazing monarch
could advance a step, the whole scene fade away, leaving the wall white as
before the contact of the painters brush. And Wu Dao Zi was never seen again.
- William Anderson
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