Portrait of Emperor Zhuangzong of the Later Tang

Emperor Zhuangzong (reigned 923–926 CE), born Li Cunxu, was the founder of the Later Tang dynasty. Of Shatuo Turkic descent, his family was granted the imperial surname "Li" by the Tang court for their military service. He was a brilliant commander who overthrew the Later Liang, though his reign was short-lived and marked by a deep obsession with Chinese opera.

original: "後唐莊宗" (Hou Tang Zhuangzong); "三才圖會" (Sancai Tuhui); "人物" (Renwu/Human Affairs)

Visual Representation
The woodblock illustration depicts the Emperor in a pose of formal authority, consistent with the iconographic standards for the "Human Affairs" section of this encyclopedia.

• The Headgear: The Emperor wears a traditional formal cap putou; a black cloth hat that evolved from a simple head-wrap into a stiffened, winged symbol of official status.
• The Imperial Robe: He is shown in flowing, wide-sleeved robes. The simplicity of the line work emphasizes the dignity of his position as the restorer—albeit briefly—of the Tang dynastic name.
• Physical Features: He is rendered with a full beard and mustache, which were traditional markers of maturity and masculine authority in imperial portraiture.

Historical Context
This portrait serves as a visual record of a pivotal figure who attempted to reclaim the legacy of the Great Tang Dynasty. Despite his military genius, historical records often critique him for allowing actors and eunuchs to influence his court. This image, however, omits such personal failings, presenting him instead as a legitimate "Son of Heaven" in the lineage of Chinese rulers.

The Sancai Tuhui was a massive Ming Dynasty encyclopedia intended to compile all known knowledge. Figures like Emperor Zhuangzong were included to provide a complete visual history of China’s political transitions.