The Night Banquet : The painted scroll

The Painted Scroll : Ye Yan / The Night Banquet

Gu Hongzhong created one of the most important portrayals of characters in the history of Chinese art. It is a pioneering work, showing scenes indoors, depicting specific moments which were a subject of great controversy. The scroll is silk, painted with ink and colors, measuring 28.7cm x 335.5cm [approx. 1 ft. x 11 ft.]. It features five scenes, linked as chapters in a book. They unroll from right to left. Each has its original background and specific compositional features. Han Xizai, the protagonist, is shown in five different scenes, with five different atmospheres, situations and states of mind.

1. Listening to music: Han Xizai is seated on a bed, surrounded by friends and concubines, listening to a woman playing the pipa, in the center. A low table covered with wine and fruit is placed between the young woman and Han who seems to be listening without paying any real attention to the music.

2. Watching the women dancing: Han has changed his clothes and is seen standing up, beating a drum, accompanying his favorite dancer, while guests clap. Standing apart from the group is a monk, absorbed in his thoughts.

3. Pause to rest: Han is seated with four concubines, on the bed, washing his hands in a bronze basin held by the dancer from the previous scene. One young woman picks up the pipa and other instruments, while another serves wine.

4. Women playing the flute: Han is shown draped in a white gown, barefoot and his chest bared, holding a straw fan, and in tête-à-tête with one of the concubines, while five young women play the flute and another two engage in conversation in the background.

5. Departure: Three concubines can be seen flirting. Han is standing, gazing in a distracted way into the distance.