Historical Chinese Portraits

Traditional Chinese paintings portraying emperors and empresses, reflecting cultural significance and royal attire of various dynasties.

Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled Emperor Wu of Wei. Although often portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant, Cao has also been praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius who treated his subordinates like his family. He was also skilled in poetry and martial arts and authored many war journals.
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled Emperor Wu of Wei. Although often portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant, Cao has also been praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius who treated his subordinates like his family. He was also skilled in poetry and martial arts and authored many war journals.
142 assets in this story
1746-21117092
Kubiai KHAN 1214-1294. Grandson of Ghengis Khan. Fro 1260 Greah Khan of the Mongols, and from 1271 emperor of China.
1746-57661948
Portrait of the Guangxu Emperor in his study. By Qing Dynasty Court painter, Palace Museum. Emperor Guangxu (14 August 1871 - 14 November 1908), was the tenth Emperor of the Qing dynasty and the ninth Qing emperor to rule over China proper. The emperor died in 1908 and it was widely suspected at the time that he had been poisoned
1899-18793055
Ulugh Bek (Uzbek: Muhammad Tarag'ay Ulug'bek, Муҳаммад Тарағай Улуғбек; Persian: میرزا محمد طارق بن شاہرخ الغبیگ - Mīrzā Muhammad Tāraghay bin Shāhrukh Uluġ Bek) (22 March 1394 in Sultaniyeh (Persia) - 27 October, 1449 (Samarkand) was a Timurid ruler as well as an astronomer, mathematician and sultan. His commonly-known name is not truly a personal name, but can be loosely translated as 'Great Ruler' and was the Turkic equivalent of Timur's Perso-Arabic title Amīr-e Kabīr. His real name was Mīrzā Mohammad Tāraghay bin Shāhrokh. Ulugh Beg was notable for his work in astronomy-related mathematics, such as trigonometry and spherical geometry. He built the great observatory in Samarkand, between 1424 and 1429.
1850-28060
Thailand, North, Chiang Mai, Pung Tao Gong Ancestral Temple. Close Up Of A Colourful Mural Depicting A Male Deity.
1899-18853285
This is a portrait of Hwang Hyeon (1855-1910), a scholar and patriot toward the end of the Joseon period, produced by Chae Yong-sin (1850-1941). Chae painted the portrait in May 1911, a year after Hwang's death, based on the photograph but changing the costume and pose. Hwang is portrayed wearing a Confucian scholar's overcoat (simeui) and a tiered black horsehair hat, sitting on a decorative mat and holding a book and a fan in his hands.
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Amit'a Triad Amit'a Triad, 14th century. Ink, color and gold on silk, 51 1/4 x 32 1/4in. (130.2 x 81.9cm). Asian Art 14th century
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KIANG-TSE-YA God of chiefs and chefs, holding good luck talismans Date: 1912
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'God of the Hearth with His Wife'. China, late 19th - early 20th century. Dimensions: 30x50 cm. Museum: State Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
1899-19134781
Egypt/Syria: Portrait of Saladin (Salah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, 1138-1193), Abu al-'Iz Ibn Isma'īl ibn al-Razaz al-Jazarī (1136-1206), 15th century. Although Al-Jazari was a contemporary of Saladin, the attribution remains disputed
1899-18853276
The Portrait of Cho Brothers (氏 三 兄弟 肖像) , Jongno-gu, Seoul , National Folk Museum is a portrait of the Joseon Dynasty era. It was designated Korean National Treasure No. 1478 in 2006.
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Chinese woodcut: Daoist internal alchemy (6)
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Sultan Mehmed I 1403-1421 AD Manuscript no 3109 Topkapi Palace Museum Istanbul
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Image from a Set of Initiation Cards (Tsakali). Southern Tibet. Date: 1301-1500. Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 cm (6 1/4 x 5 3/4 in.). Ink and watercolor on paper. Origin: Tibet. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.
1899-18711694
Accoording to Daoist beliefs; the entire manifested universe is ruled by three original forces; the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). The Three Pure Ones were brought into existence through the interaction of yin and yang. They are respectively Yuqing; 'The Jade Purity'; Shangqing; 'The Supreme Purity'; and Taiqing; 'The Grand Purity'.
1746-30020998
Queen Sinjeong (). (1809 - 1890), also known as Queen Dowager Hyoyu (), of the Pungyang Jo clan, was the only wife of Crown Prince Hyomyeong and mother of Heonjong of Joseon. She served as nominal regent during Gojong's minority, between 1864-1873, although she left all de facto power to the King's father, Heungseon Daewongun, and only kept the formal title.
4220-21857334
TCH'OANG-KONG and TCH'OANG-MOU the female and male spirits of the bedchamber, and especially the bed, who protect couples from malignant demons and encourage procreation Date: 1918
1899-18788735
The Vinegar Tasters, is a traditional subject in Chinese religious painting. The allegorical composition depicts the three founders of China's major religious and philosophical traditions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The theme in the painting has been interpreted as favoring Taoism and critical of the others. The three men are dipping their fingers in a vat of vinegar and tasting it; one man reacts with a sour expression, one reacts with a bitter expression, and one reacts with a sweet expression. The three men are Confucius, Buddha, and Laozi, respectively. Each man's expression represents the predominant attitude of his religion: Confucianism saw life as sour, in need of rules to correct the degeneration of people; Buddhism saw life as bitter, dominated by pain and suffering; and Taoism saw life as fundamentally good in its natural state. Another interpretation of the painting is that, since the three men are gathered around one vat of vinegar, the 'three teachings' are one.
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The Fifth Arhat, Nakula (Nakura), from a set of Sixteen Arhat (JûrokuRakan)
1899-18792746
Scenes of Service from a small album known as 'Chinese Drawings: Court and Society', showing contemporaneous style and fashion at the Qing Court. The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. Qing rulers were of the Jurchen Aisin Gioro clan, a nomadic tribe that originated northeast of the Great Wall in contemporary Northeastern China. Over the course of its reign, the Qing became highly integrated with Chinese culture, learning Chinese and participating in rituals. The imperial examinations continued and Han civil servants administered the empire alongside Manchu ones.
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Engraving depicting Kublai Khan (1215-1294) the fifth Khagan of the Mongol Empire, and founder of the Yuan dynasty in China. Dated 14th century
1899-18719086
Empress Gensho (683-748), 44th imperial ruler of Japan. The daughter of Empress Gemmei, Gensho's reign spanned the years 715 through to 724. Under her reign, the Nihonshoki, the first Japanese history book, was completed in 720. Organisation of the law system was continued, and the taxation system, which had been introduced by Empress Jito in the late 7th century, was reformed to promote agricultural production. Gensho also encouraged the arts, letters and science, continuing the works of her mother. When her nephew reached the age of 25 she abdicated.
4290-9317
Vietnam, Hanoi, Van Mieu, Temple of Literature, Statue of Confucius
1899-18711537
Emperor Gaozu of Tang (566 - June 25, 635), born Li Yuan, courtesy name Shude, was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Emperor Gaozu's reign was concentrated on uniting the empire under the Tang. Aided by Li Shimin, whom he created Prince of Qin, he defeated all other contenders. By 628, the Tang Dynasty had succeeded in uniting all of China. On the home front, he recognized the early successes forged by Emperor Wen of Sui and strove to emulate most of Emperor Wen's policies, including the equal distribution of land amongst his people, and he also lowered taxes. He abandoned the harsh system of law established by Emperor Yang of Sui as well as reforming the judicial system. These acts of reform paved the way for the reign of Emperor Taizong, which ultimately pushed the Tang to the height of its power. Emperor Gaozu passed the throne to Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong) in 626 and became Taishang Huang (retired emperor). He died in
1899-18712796
The Liao Dynasty, also known as the Khitan Empire, was a state that ruled over the regions of Manchuria, Mongolia, and parts of northern China proper. It was founded by the Yelü clan of the Khitan people in the same year as the Tang Dynasty collapsed (907), even though its first ruler, Yelü Abaoji (Yaruud Ambagai Khan), did not declare an era name until 916. Although it was originally known as the Empire of the Khitan, the Emperor Yelü Ruan officially adopted the name 'Liao' (formally Great Liao’) in 947. Another name for China in English, Cathay, is derived from the name Khitan. This is also the origin of the Russian word for China, Китай or Kitay, and that of several other East European languages. The Liao Empire was destroyed by the Jurchen of the Jin Dynasty in 1125. However, remnants of its people led by Yelü Dashi established the Xi (Western) Liao Dynasty 1125-1220, also known as Kara-Khitan Khanate, which extended its influence over Central Asia into Persia and survived until t
1899-18853496
Eshing was a rich Cantonese Hong merchant. His tea was of such high quality that it sold for 50 percent more than that of other merchants. Because of his reputation he was sought by Western traders to inspect their purchases of tea.
1899-51950
China, Beijing. Forbidden City. Warrior Statue
1899-18712203
The Fragrant Concubine (Chinese: Xiangfei; Uyghur: Iparxan, Khoja Iparhan) is a figure in Chinese legend who was taken as a consort by the Qianlong Emperor during the 18th century. Although the stories about her are believed to be mythical, they may have been based on an actual concubine from western China who entered the harem of the emperor in 1760 and who carried the court title of Rong Fei. Some suggest, however, that Imperial Consort Rong (whose original name may have been Maimur Azum) and Imperial Consort Xiang were different women. Han Chinese and Uyghur tellings of the legend of the Fragrant Concubine diverge greatly, and her experience represents a powerful symbol for both peoples. The story became greatly popular during the early 20th century and has since been adapted into several plays, films, and books.
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Two richly adorned Georgian Jews walk to the synagogue in Tbilisi, Georgia. Date: 1928
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Tengu Statue, Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
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Portrait of patriarch Zhang Xuan. unknown, painter
1788-6667
Japan - Kamakura. Museum at Shinto Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine
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Unveiling of the bronze statue Chen Wanting in Chenjiagou, China, Asia
1899-18711519
Blessed Joseph Vaz (April 21, 1651, Benaulim - January 16, 1711, Kandy) was a Catholic Oratorian priest from Goa. He is known as the Apostle of Ceylon. He entered Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) when, due to the Dutch colonial occupation, Calvinism was the official religion. He traveled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the sacraments to clandestine groups of Catholics. Later in his mission he found shelter in the Kandyan kingdom where he was able to work freely. At the time of his death he managed to rebuild the Catholic church on the island. On January 21, 1995, Joseph Vaz was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
1899-19135683
Vietnam: Buddhist woodblock, Vinh Ngiem Pagoda (founded in the 11th century), Duc La Village, Tri Yen Commune, Tang Giang County, Bac Giang Province, c. 15th century
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CONFUCIO (nombre latinizado por los misioneros del s. XVIII del chino KONG FUTSEU, "Venerador maestro Kung") (h.551-h.479 a.C.). Filósofo chino cuya doctrina simboliza el tradicional "humanismo" de la antigua China. Grabado coloreado del s.XIX.
1397R-82138
Chinese Door God, Historic Relics, Lu Kung, Zhanghua, Taiwan, Asia,
1899-76343483
Notre-Dame cathedral, Paris, France. Saint Paul Chen painting.
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Chinese, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888 Issued by Allen & Ginter American Trade cards from the "World's Smokers" series (N33), issued in 1888 in a set of 50 cards to promote Allen & Ginter brand cigarettes. Printer's samples included in set, as well. The printer's sample cards are on thinner card stock and do not have any printed text.. Chinese, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 420403
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A Chinese monk with a thick beard in a temple.
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GENGIS KHAN o GENGIS JAN (1167-1227). Caudillo mongol de verdadero nombre Temujin, fundador del imperio mongol (siglos XII-XIII). Grabado coloreado.
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Genghis Khan (c.1158 - 1227), born Temujin, the founder and first Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. He came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of north east Asia.
1899-18792997
Taksin (Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Maharat; Thai: มเด็จพระเจ้าตากินมหาราช; Chinese: 鄭昭; pinyin: Zhèng Zhāo; Teochew: Dênchao; Vietnamese: Trịnh Quốc Anh) ; (April 17, 1734 - April 7, 1782) was the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom. He is greatly revered by the Thai people for his leadership in liberating Siam from Burmese occupation after the Second Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, and the subsequent unification of Siam after it fell under various warlords. He established the city Thonburi as the new capital, as the city Ayutthaya had been almost completely destroyed by the invaders. His reign was characterized by numerous wars, fought to repel new Burmese invasions and to subjugate the northern Tai kingdom of Lan Na, the Laotian principalities, and Cambodia. He was succeeded by the Chakri dynasty and the Rattanakosin Kingdom under his long time friend King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I). Although warfare took up most of King Taksin's time, he paid a great deal of attention to politics, admi