'Wu Daozi' or 'Wu Tao-tzu' (;
680-
740) was a
Chinese artist of the
Tang Dynasty, famous for initiating new
myths in his artwork.
The myth follows the creation by Wu Tao-tzu of a
mural commissioned by
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang China. The mural on the wall of the
palace was a rich nature scene set in a valley, containing a stunning array of flora and fauna.
Wu Tao-tzu had gone further and painted a door on the side of a mountain. The story goes that he clapped his hands and entered the door, inviting the Emperor to come and see - sadly the door shut and he was lost forever.
(This tale inspired one of the ''
Nouvelles orientales'' by
Marguerite Yourcenar, ''
Comment Wang-Fô fut sauvé''.)
See also
★
Chinese mythology

''Eighty seven celestial people'', Wu Daozi.