This image shows a detail from the 12th century copy of Gu Hongzhong’s 10th century painting: Night Revels of Han Xizai (also translated as Night Banquet and Night Entertainments). Serving as a court painter during the Southern Tang dynasty (937 - 975), Gu Hongzhong was tasked by emperor Li Yu to spy on Han Xizai, a well-known court minister. Despite being a renowned and high ranking official, Han was reported to have a bad reputation for hosting wild parties and engaging in late-night debaucheries.
The detail above shows Han’s guests listening to the music played by a pipa player. This scene is one of many – with full handscroll being over 3 meters in width, this painting offers an extensive glimpse into court life of the Southern Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties period. Using exquisite brushwork and vibrant colours, Gu’s artwork includes moments such as music and dance performances, conversation between guests, as well as Han being surrounded by three ladies. In the artwork, Han gazes over his guests as they have fun with food, music, and ladies, dispensing with court formalities and decorum.
As indulgent and inappropriate behaviour of court officials is looked down upon both outside and inside court, the painting serves as both an expose against Han and an admonition for other officials to stay away from debaucherous activities.
This scene from Night Revela of Han Xizai is a fantastic detail as it captures the intimate but a revealing moment oh Han Xizai. Though the scene appears as if the guests are calmly listening to the music, there is a larger picture that we are being hinted towards— indulgence, power, and human behaviour behind the face of court life. I really appreciate how the artist has used subtle, calm body language and expressions rather than dramatic actions. A cinematic painting, not distracting from the social dynamics of that time followed by the complexities of personality.
