Gu Hongzhong

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Gu Hongzhong (Chinese: 顾闳中; Pinyin: Gù Hóngzhōng; 937-975) was a Chinese painter during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history.

Little is known about Gu Hongzhong's life. He was most likely a court painter for the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu. He was active from 943 to 960 C.E. [1] His most well-known work is The Night Revels of Han Xizai. The version of Gu's painting seen below is a 12th century remake of the subsequent Song Dynasty (960–1279).[2]

Contents

[edit] The Night Revels of Han Xizai

The first part of The Night Revels of Han Xizai, 12th century remake
The first part of The Night Revels of Han Xizai, 12th century remake
The second part of The Night Revels of Han Xizai, 12th century remake
The second part of The Night Revels of Han Xizai, 12th century remake

The Night Revels of Han Xizai is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, probably a minister of Li Yu.[1] It is a narrative painting, showing the same figures repeatedly as they engage in various activities. The five distinct sections show Han Xizai listening to the pipa, watching dancers, taking a rest, blowing string instruments and seeing guests off.[3] As with other scrolls, it is meant to be viewed right-to-left. The painting is approximately 333.5 cm long and 28.7 cm wide.

Gu Hongzhong was supposedly sent to spy on Han Xizai. In different versions of the story, Han Xizai was either suspected of rebellion [3] or repeatedly missed early-morning audiences with the emperor because of his revelry and needed to be shamed into dignified behavior.[1] In yet another version of the story, Han Xizai was not a minister, but had refused Li Yu's offer to make him prime minister. Curious, Li Yu wanted to know what was more desirable to Han Xizai than such a high position.[4]

[edit] Parody of Night Revels of Han Xizai

In 2000, artist Wang Qingsong created a parody of The Night Revels of Han Xizai entitled The Night Revels of Lao Li. Instead of a painting like the original, it is a photograph. The parody uses modern costume and references to comment on current Chinese culture.

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c The Private Realm of the Literati.
  2. ^ Ebrey, 148.
  3. ^ a b Night Revel of Han Xizai.
  4. ^ Han Xizai at Night Dinner Painting Depicts Extravagant Life.

[edit] References

  • Ebrey, Patricia Buckley (1999). The Cambridge Illustrated History of China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-66991-X (paperback).

[edit] External links

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