Night Revels of Han Xizai - Main Painting 5 - Dispersal
Imagine being hired to spy on a coworker, but you end up creating a masterpiece instead! Emperor Li Yu of the Southern Tang dynasty suspected his minister Han Xizai of plotting a rebellion, so he sent court painter Gu Hongzhong to infiltrate his nightly parties. Han Xizai, knowing he was being watched, played the part of a carefree hedonist to prove he was no political threat. This final scene, 'Parting,' captures the winding-down revelry: a couple embraces intimately on the far left, while on the right, a man in dark robes (likely the host) stands with arms crossed, watching the last guests depart or engaging in a final quiet conversation.
- Technique
- Ink and color on silk (Gongbi style)
- Material
- Silk
Location: Palace Museum, Beijing
Views: 9