Palace Lady (Color on Silk; traditionally called the portrait of Huan Yewang)

A Yuan Painting of a Lady with a Flute

The Palace Lady (Color on Silk; traditionally called the portrait of Huan Yewang) (絹本著色宮女図〈伝桓野王図〉) is a Yuan-dynasty Chinese painting of a palace lady, location not disclosed (private collection), which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one hanging scroll in colour on silk.

Kurashiki City lists it among the cultural properties in the city and dates it to the fourteenth century, in the Yuan dynasty.

The Painting

According to Kurashiki City, the woman, wearing a black gauze cap with a red robe, has a flute tucked in her sash and gazes at the fingers of both hands.

Her profile is graceful and dignified.

What to Look For

Kurashiki City notes one theory that the figure is Huan Yewang, a master flautist of the Eastern Jin dynasty (317 to 420).

The alternative title, the portrait said to be of Huan Yewang, comes from this theory.

Visiting the Palace Lady (Color on Silk; traditionally called the portrait of Huan Yewang)

It is privately owned and its location is not disclosed; no official information on viewing could be found.