Xuanhe Painting Catalog (1125) - Page 24

Li Sizhen said, "The elder and younger brothers, both excellent, are like difficult companions," referring to Lide and Liben. The works currently held in the Imperial Treasury are nine:

Picking Herbs and the Supreme Image, 1; Images of the Seven Luminaries, 2

Wandering Heavenly King Map, 2; Zhuangzi’s Understanding of Horses Map, 1

The Right General Pointing his Brush Map, 1; Poem Intent of the Wild Geese on the Lake by Shen Yue, 2

Yan Liben, in the first year of the Zongzhang era, was appointed as the Right Chancellor, serving as the Minister of Rites. He possessed a talent for administrative affairs, and he was as famous for his painting as his older brother Lide. Liben was especially skilled at achieving physical likeness. Early in the Tang dynasty, Emperor Taizong was boating on the pool in the spring park with his attendants. He saw an exotic bird hovering on the waves and, his expression full of joy, he ordered those seated to paint it.