The Royal Carriage

"The Royal Carriage" is a painting by Yan Liben, a Tang artist. It depicts Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong, receiving Lu Dongtsam, an envoy from the Tibetan regime, who was to accompany Princess Wencheng to Tibet. The painting celebrates the historic marriage of Songtsam Gampo, head of Tibet, and Princess Wencheng in the 15th year of Taizong's reign (641). In the painting, the stately Emperor sits on a royal carriage attended by several maids of honour, and Lu Dongtsam follows the Protocol Officer to an audience with the Emperor. With adept artistry, Yan Liben depicts the scene in detail, vividly recording the grand occasion linking the Han and Tibetan people in historical amity. The status, bearing and stature of the characters and their relationship to one another are lifelike and accurately portrayed in the painting.

Han Xizai at Night Dinner

The Han Xizai at Night Dinner Painting, by Gu Hongzhong, is the most representative of the Five Dynasties (907-960) period.

Han Xizai was very talented in both politics and art, and he was accomplished in music, singing and dancing, poetry, calligraphy, as well as painting. In fact, his talents were so boundless that the emperor of the Southern Tang wanted to nominate him as prime minister, but Han declined. The emperor was very curious and sent the famous painter Gu Hongzhong to pry into Han's private life. After delivering his report, Gu painted Han Xizai at Night Dinner Painting.