Wang Zhaojun Departing the Frontier, Hanging Scroll
Min Zhen
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink and color on paper
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 116 cm; Width 59.5 cm
Introduction
This painting illustrates the well-known historical tale of Wang Zhaojun, a palace lady of the Han dynasty who was sent to marry a Xiongnu chieftain, thereby bringing peace to the frontier, although she never returned home. Min Zhen depicts Wang Zhaojun riding a horse, holding a pipa, as she prepares to leave her homeland. Executed with a combination of meticulous and freehand brushwork, the painting features flowing lines, precise proportions, and subtle washes of colour. Min Zhen employs cursive-script brush techniques to convey the folds and rhythm of the clothing, while delicate lines capture Wang Zhaojun’s refined facial features, bringing her vividly to life. Servants are rendered with bold, dark strokes, creating a rich layering of light and shadow.
The artist’s signature appears at the upper left, and the painting bears the collector’s seal of Chen Shizeng, a noted modern artist and educator, at the lower right.
