Three Visits to the Thatched Hut of Zhuge Liange
Su Liupeng Chinese
Not on view
In the chaos of the Han dynasty’s demise in the early third century, rival groups vied to establish control over the empire. Liu Bei (161–223), founder of the state of Shu Han, was one figure who wished to become emperor. Seeking counsel, Liu visited the hut of the wise thinker and strategist Zhuge Liang, but Zhuge wished to remain in seclusion and refused to see him. Only after Liu humbled himself and visited three times did the sage agree to meet; this painting depicts the final visit. Liu’s horses wait at the outer gate as he and his ministers arrive at the inner residence. Zhuge, unimpressed, sleeps on the couch, his back turned to the viewer.
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