Marquis Wu Resting in Seclusion, handscroll, 26 × 43 cm, Palace Museum, Beijing
Emperor Xuande of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Zhanji, wasn't just a ruler; he was a talented artist who painted this serene scene of the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang. Here, the famous 'Sleeping Dragon' is seen lounging comfortably in a bamboo grove, looking totally relaxed before he was recruited to change history. The painting is covered in imperial red seals, and the calligraphy reveals it was a personal gift bestowed upon a nobleman named Chen Xuan. It's a fascinating glimpse into how emperors viewed the ideal of the wise, reclining scholar-official.
- Technique
- Ink on paper
- Material
- Paper
Location: The Palace Museum, Beijing