Portrait of a Nobleman
Khara-Khoto
12th century
Paper, gouache
45 x 32 cm
This portrait of an official wearing state costume
(high headdress and long robe) is executed in
restrained colours, enlivened by the bright colour
of the belt. It is notable for its exquisite drawing
and is regarded as an example of Chinese Classic
painting of the Song period (10th-13th centuries).
Faces such as these were painted on the basis of a
physiognomy chart, a model book setting out
accepted canons for facial features.
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