The portrait of Marshal Zhao is commissioned by four merchants: Jia Qilue, Wang Xueceng, Dong Yingke and Guan Yan. Dated late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the painting is done by what seems to be a master painter, whose fine rendering of hair, gilded dragon on black ground and graduated tone shading are excellent (see fluttering sleeves). Marshall Zhao was widely venerated in Sichuan where he was associated with Zhang Daoling, the founder of religious Daoism. He is regarded as a guardian of Zhang Daoling as he plays the role of protecting Zhang's pot of alchemy. His original name is Zhao Lang or Zhao Gongming,.
