Describingelite society: Based on these paintings, write a brief description of the social life of Chinese elites during the Tang and Song dynasties.
Defining the self-image of an elite: What do these sources suggest about how members of the elite ideally viewed themselves? In what ways do those self-portraits draw upon Confucian, Daoist, or Buddhist teachings?
Noticing differences in the depiction of women: In what different ways are women represented in these paintings? Keep in mind that all the artists were men. How might this affect the way women were depicted? How might female artists have portrayed them differently?
Using images to illustrate change: Reread the sections on Chinese women (“A Changing Patriarchy” in Chapter 5 and “Women in the Song Dynasty” in Chapter 8). How might these images be used to illustrate the changes in women’s lives that are described in those pages?
Seeking additional sources: What other kinds of visual sources might provide further insight into the lives of Chinese elites?