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. Gu was active from 943 to 960 C.E.[1] His most well-known work is the Night Revels of Han Xizai (韩熙载夜宴图). Gu's original no longer exist, the painting is survived in a 12th century remake (see below) of the subsequent Song Dynasty (960–1279); the painting is housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing.[2]
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The Night Revels of Han Xizai is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of Li Yu.[1] This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, plays string instruments, and then sees guests off.[3] As with other scrolls, Gu's work is meant to be viewed right-to-left. The painting is approximately 333.5 centimeters (131.3 in) long and 28.7 centimeters (11.3 in) tall.
Gu Hongzhong was supposedly sent to pry on Han Xizai's private life per Li Yu's request. There are several versions of the story. According to one version, Han Xizai had refused Li Yu's offer to make him the prime minister. Curious, Li Yu wanted to know what was more desirable to Han Xizai than such a high position in his court.[3] In another version, Han Xizai repeatedly missed early-morning audiences with the emperor because of his revelry, fondness of drinking and banquets with friends, and needed to be shamed into dignified behavior.[1]
In 2000, artist Wang Qingsong created The Night Revels of Lao Li, a parody of The Night Revels of Han Xizai. Instead of a painting like the original, it is a photograph. The parody uses modern costume and references to comment on current Chinese culture.[4] In 2008, artist Vincent J.F. Huang recreated the same storyline but his work depicts penguins, and the endangered penguins symbolize civilization threatened by environmental damages.[5]
