Night Revel of Han Xizai, Gu Hongzhong, 33x 283 cm, Post-Tang Dynasty

 

Gu Hongzhong, sent by Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Yu, came to spy into the life of Han who was suspected of rebellion. When Gu came back home, he painted "Night Revel of Han Xizai" through his acute memory to report to Emperor Li about Han's life. This painting is divided into five sections, listening to music, watching dancers, taking a rest, blowing string instruments and seeing guests off, which are separated by wind screens. These five sections are continuous and independent that portray each major course in the night banquet and put Han Xizai as the major hero. This painting portrays clearly what is in the mind of Han Xizai. On the surface, he was very happy, manly, but underneath he is very unhappy and worried because he had to get rid of embarrassment of being suspected. Therefore he had to set up a banquet, invite guests and involved in luxurious and luscious life to dispel mistrust of Emperor Li. This painting well demonstrates the acute observation of the painter and his understanding of the hero's destiny and psychology conflicts.

--- Abbreviated from Overall History of Chinese Fine Arts, Advanced Education Press, 1989.