Image: Kongming Leaving the Mountains (cropped)

Description: "The name Kongming in the title of this painting refers to one of the greatest military strategists in Chinese history, Zhuge Liang. Known also as a statesman, diplomat and prose writer, Zhuge Liang lived in the early 3rd century, when China was divided among rival lords. Although Zhuge Liang resided in the mountains, living as a farmer, he also practised the occult arts of Daoism and kept himself well informed about the political situation in his country. The story goes that one of the contending warlords of the era, Liu Bei, wishing to engage his services, visited his rustic retreat three times. Each time Liu Bei appealed to Zhuge Liang. On the third occasion, satisfied by Liu Bei’s perserverance, Zhuge Liang agreed to act as his advisor – and he left the mountains. This is the moment depicted in the painting: Zhuge Liang rides the horse at the back of the group; Liu Bei is the man in the tall hat beside him; the other two riders, to the front, are Liu Bei’s generals." —Chester Beatty Library
Title: Kongming Leaving the Mountains
Credit: Cropped from the original image of the full painting located at: Kongming Leaving the Mountains. Telling Images of China (2010 exhibit). Dublin: Chester Beatty Library. (direct link to image) (web archive link for work) (web archive link for exhibit)
Author: AnonymousUnknown author
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No