Picture scroll of Yan Liben’s chariot

[Yan Liben’s Step Chariot Map Volume]

Step Chariot Map Volume, Tang Dynasty, Yan Liben’s work, silk version, color setting, 38.5 cm vertical, 129 cm horizontal
This is a historical painting. It reflects a major historical event in the early Tang Dynasty. In the seventh century, Tibet (now Tibet), which is located in the southwest of China, began to prosper and prosper. Its 32nd Zanpo Songzanganpo was a leader of “bravery and bravery”. In the eighth year of Zhenguan (634), he sent an envoy to Chang’an (today’s Xi’an, Shaanxi) to propose marriage to the Tang Dynasty. Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, agreed to his request and decided to marry Princess Wencheng, the royal daughter, to Songzan Gambu. In the spring of the 15th year of Zhenguan (641), Songzan Gambu sent the Prime Minister Lu Dongzan to Chang’an to welcome Princess Wencheng, while Li Shimin of the Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty sent Li Daozong, the royal family of the King of Jiangxia, the minister of rites, to accompany Princess Wencheng into Tubo. In addition to bringing many cultural classics from the Central Plains, Princess Wencheng was accompanied by many craftsmen from various industries, which played an important role in promoting the development of the Tibetan economy and culture. For a long time since then, the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo has been harmonious and harmonious
With this title, Yan Liben drew this work to celebrate the friendly exchanges between the ancient Han and Tibetan nationalities. The painting depicts the scene of Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, receiving Lu Dongzan, the Tubo envoy sent by Songzan Gambo in the palace. Li Shimin sat upright on the couch (also known as the walking chariot, which is the name of the picture) carried by six palace maids, and three other palace maids were in front of and behind the palm fans and holding the canopy respectively. There were three people standing in front of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: the most right one, wearing a red robe, was the introduction official of the ceremony; In the middle is Lu Dongzan, the envoy of Tubo, who stands with his hand in his hand. His hair style and clothes are different from those of the Central Plains; On the left is an internal officer in white robes. According to the status and identity of the painter Yan Liben at that time, he may be the witness of this historic meeting, so the characters in his works are very real and vivid. The majesty of Li Shimin of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the ability and humility of the envoy Lu Dongzan, the courtesy of the officials and the attendants, and the naivety and liveliness of the young maids all have their own characteristics. The differences in national temperament between Lu Dongzan and Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty are also reflected on the silk
The whole painting portrays the characters with fine lines, which are sophisticated, full of changes and expressiveness; The color is thick and bright, which is an excellent meticulous and heavy color figure painting. Li Shimin, Lu Dongzan and others in the picture should have portrait characteristics.