Night Revels of Han Xizai - Main Painting 4 - Qingchui
In one of history's most fascinating cases of artistic espionage, Emperor Li Yu sent painter Gu Hongzhong to spy on his minister Han Xizai's wild night parties. Suspecting treason, the Emperor wanted proof, but Han cleverly played the part of a dissolute hedonist to avoid political office; here he sits in loose white robes, fanning himself while enjoying a flute concert by five court ladies. The resulting scroll is a masterpiece of observation, capturing the music, the mood, and the subtle tension of a man performing for his life.
- Technique
- Ink and color on silk
- Material
- Silk
Location: Palace Museum, Beijing
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