In the National Palace Museum collection, as well as the portraits of the emperors which we discussed last month, there is a series of portraits of empresses which is especially eye-catching. Fashions and styles of each empress were different to match the concepts of beauty in each dynasty. This portrait of Empress Jen-tsung of the Sung is one of the most outstanding in the series.
In the painting, measuring 172.1 × 165.3 mm, the empress' face is covered with red powder and pearls are fastened to her forehead and cheeks. She wears a crown and a gown adorned with a pheasant motif. This portrait differs from others in the series because there are two courtesans included in the picture. This beautifully colored portrait is rich in detail and therefore a good source of information on Sung styles.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the portrait is the empress' make-up. In the Yuan dynasty, Wang Hui wrote of this painting: "The empress uses purple powder to draw two leaves below her eyebrows and down to her cheeks. The middle and the lower part of her face are all left natural." If we did not have this portrait we would never know what he meant by this description.
In another Sung empress portrait (top) the style of the make-up is even more apparent. From this series of portraits we can understand the descriptions of Chinese women in historical records and literature. We can also determine the beginnings and ends of certain styles of make-up and fashions.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the portrait is the empress' make-up. In the Yuan dynasty, Wang Hui wrote of this painting: "The empress uses purple powder to draw two leaves below her eyebrows and down to her cheeks. The middle and the lower part of her face are all left natural." If we did not have this portrait we would never know what he meant by this description. In another Sung empress portrait (top) the style of the make-up is even more apparent. From this series of portraits we can understand
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
