Wu Daozi or Wu Tao-tzu (simplified Chinese: 吴道子; traditional Chinese: 吳道子; pinyin: Wú Dàozǐ; Wade-Giles: 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 Daozi 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 Daozi 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.