Have you ever been puzzled by the description of ‘figural paintings’ for Chinese porcelains listed by various museums and auction catalogues? In fact, many Chinese paintings with figures refer to ancient stories and have meanings behind the scenes...

European descriptions of porcelain paintings that have story scenes tend to describe ‘figures and surroundings’, rather than identifying them. Thus, a large part of those beautiful stories intended by pot painters was lost in the description. Here...

‘Eighteen Scholars’ was the name bestowed upon the circle of eminent men whom Li Shimin, later Emperor Taizong, drew to his side in the early Tang dynasty.

In the fourth year of Wude (621 CE), Prince Qin Li Shimin 李世民, ennobled as Grand General of Heavenly Strategy and permitted to appoint his own officers, founde...

The Empty Fort Strategy is the thirty-second of the Thirty-Six Stratagems (三十六计), a psychological ploy that feigns strength through an appearance of calm to mislead the enemy into retreat. In ancient times, it was used not only to defend cities but also in situations where one was heavily outnumbered.

In the ficti...

Zhao Bian (赵抃, 1008–84) was held in high esteem all his life and posthumously because of his incorruptibility and sound statesmanship during his entire career. His prize possessions were legendarily well-known: a qin zither and two pets, a Continue Reading