| Pictured is "Court Lady Ming Leaving the Country" by Gong Suran (active in the 12th century) of the Jin dynasty. It depicts the tale of Wang Zhaojun, a court lady of the Han dynasty, who was sent far from home as part of a marital peace treaty. In the painting, Wang is shown fearlessly riding with the leading horse team during a sandstorm. Wang's more traditional image of a sad and pitiable lady as portrayed by Chinese literati is thus transformed into a courageous heroine, leaving home with pride and dignity. During the Jin dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong was forced to send a princess to Mongolia in a marital peace treaty in 1214. As a painter of the age, it is likely that Gong Suran used the historical tale of Wang to reflect on this topical event. |
