A Palace Concert

Capturing Tang Dynasty’s Vibrant Court Life

Paintings hold a significant place in the tapestry of Chinese arts, and the National Palace Museum boasts an extensive collection spanning various dynasties from Tang to Qing Dynasty. Among these artworks is A Palace Concert, a painting from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907). This hanging scroll, rendered in ink and colors on silk, measures 49 x 70 cm and offers a glimpse into the opulent court life of ancient China.

While the exact artist and creation date remain unknown, A Palace Concert is revered as a national treasure. The painting depicts a scene with ten ladies of the inner court seated around a large rectangular table. Within this gathering, some are savoring tea, while others are indulging in wine. The atmosphere is festive, disarming our hearts as we study the painting further.

To further the “eat, drink, and be merry” spirit, four women are playing instruments in the background. From left to right, the musical instruments include the bamboo flute, guqin (a seven-stringed zither), and pipa (a plucked string instrument). A maidservant maintains the rhythm by lightly striking a paiban, a traditional percussion instrument. Amidst the jubilant scene, a small dog can be seen under the table, either unbothered or enjoying the melodies.

An amazing aspect of the painting lies in its attention to detail. Most of the palace ladies are adorned with the distinctive “Zhuima Ji” hairstyle, where the top hair is elegantly arranged in one direction. The maidservants, on the other hand, wear the “Chuiji” hairstyle, with their hair styled in two directions and tied around the ears. These hairstyles, along with other elements such as mats, crescent-shaped tables, and feathered wine cups, provide insights for the cunning eye into the trend and fashion of the late Tang Dynasty society.

Scholars have noted the unique dimensions of the silk painting, leading to the belief that it might have originally served as a decorative screen within the palace during the middle to late Tang Dynasty before being transformed into its current hanging scroll format.

A Palace Concert is a piece of Chinese silk painting that exemplifies the artistry of ink washes on silk and brushstrokes that convey emotion to capture the vibrant court life of the Tang Dynasty. Thanks to its meticulous attention to detail, choice of subject matter, and skillful execution, the painting offers a gateway to understand the realm of Chinese paintings. Beyond showcasing a high-level artistic technique, it also provides a glimpse into life in Tang Dynasty’s royal court.

This article is the first in our series featuring canvas paintings. What do you think? Let me know in your comments below.

Source: National Palace Museum