Ming Huang's Journey to Shu

This painting depicts the flight of the Tang Emperor Xuanzong (685 - 762 CE) through the mountains to Shu. The emperor, also known by his posthumous name Minghuang, fled the Tang capital Chang’an due to the rebellion by a Turkic general named An Lushan in 755 CE. Depicted here is the journey to Shu (modern Sichuan), winding through the slender, jagged mountains on foot and horseback. Although the painting is from the Ming Dynasty, the strong blue and green colors are characteristic of the earlier Tang Dynasty style. Formerly attributed to Li Zhadao 李昭道 (flourished early 8th century). Formerly in the collection of John Calvin Ferguson (1866 - 1945 CE). The painting has ten seals including ones from the Qianlong Emperor, Xiang Molin, and An Qi.