COLLECTION NAME:
National Palace English
Record
Work ID:
M01E00268
Title:
A Palace Concert
Creation Date:
Tang Dynasty
Start Year Date:
A.D.618
End Year Date:
A.D.907
Dynasty:
36 Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618~907)
Creator:
Anonymous, Tang Dynasty
Creation Place:
China
Measurements:
48.7 x 69.5 cm
Material:
Ink and color on silk
Form:
Li-zhou (hanging scroll)
Type:
Painting
Subject:
Figure
Repository:
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description:
In this painting, twelve palace ladies sit around a long table, possibly drinking tea or wine. Among them, four play musical instruments to add to the festive atmosphere. From right to left these instruments are: a hujia reed pipe (also called a bili), a pipa lute, an ancient zheng zither, and a sheng pipe. Of the two women who stand nearby, one strikes a clapper to keep time to the music.Perhaps over a thousand years have passed since A Palace Concert was painted, and consequently, the silk is worn in many places. Yet, the pigments appear as bright as when the painting was new. Notice the rouge on the ladies' faces and the scarlet skirts and scarves they wear. Because the painting was first treated with a base of lead and then a thick layer of glue, the colors have not flaked off to a serious degree. Even today the fine patterns on the clothing can be clearly distinguished. As an example of painting characterized by fine brushwork and bright colors, A Palace Concert testifies to the impressive achievements of Tang artists.
ImageV ID:
M01E00268AS007
Rights:
Lee & Lee Communications