Night Revels of Han Xizai - Frontispiece - Calligraphy by Cheng Nanyun
Read from right to left, these bold, winding characters in ancient seal script announce the 'Night Banquet Picture,' acting as the grand marquee for one of history's greatest spy operations. In the 10th century, an Emperor suspected his minister Han Xizai of treason (or perhaps just incompetence), so he sent a painter to crash the minister's party and memorize every detail. This specific title section was penned centuries later by Ming Dynasty calligrapher Cheng Nanyun, whose elegant brushwork sets a dignified tone before the scroll reveals the scandalous drinking, dancing, and lounging that actually happened.
- Technique
- Ink calligraphy
Location: Palace Museum, Beijing
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