11. Painting of Playing Polo
Ages：Tang Dynasty
Height:199 cm; Width:154 cm
Unearthed in 1971 from Prince Zhanghuai’s Tomb in Qianxian County, Shaanxi
Prince Zhang Huai was the second son of Empress Wu Zetian and the sixth son of the third Tang emperor, Gaozong. Zhang was named heir apparent in 675, but five years later was accused by his mother of plotting a coup and was banished to Sichuan. There he was later forced to kill himself. On the west wall of the passage to the tomb of Zhang Huai is a twelve meter-long painting, "Playing Polo." The game was introduced from Persia and became popular under the patronage of the Tang royal house. Polo was Prince Zhang Huai's favorite sport.
In addition to the above relics, Shaanxi History Museum has more national treasures like Painting of Hunting Procession, Beast-Head-Shaped Agate Cup, Silver Pot with A Hoop Handle and Parrot Design, Green-Glazed Pot with A Loop Handle, Black Glazed Bowl with Oil-Drop Design.
Editor: Dong Jirong
Email to Friends
Print
Save