Secondary sourcePaintingEarly Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

Seated Portrait of Emperor Chengzu on the Dragon Chair

Unknown · Early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

A large hanging scroll portrait showing the Yongle Emperor (known by his temple name Chengzu) seated on an ornate dragon throne.

This formal court portrait depicts the Yongle Emperor seated on his dragon throne, emphasizing his imperial authority.

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Full-length seated portrait of a bearded man in a golden-yellow robe with a large embroidered dragon medallion on the chest and a jeweled belt, wearing a black cap. He sits on an ornate throne with dragon carvings and jeweled hanging ornaments against a gold background, with a patterned red carpet below. — Seated Portrait of Emperor Chengzu (the Yongle Emperor), hanging scroll, ink and colour on silk, early Ming dynasty. National Palace Museum, Taipei.

About this source

What it is

This hanging scroll, painted in ink and colour on silk, shows the emperor seated formally in the 'Dragon' chair. It dates from the early Ming dynasty and is held today by the National Palace Museum in Taipei. The painter is unknown.

Why it matters

Formal court portraits like this were made to present the emperor's authority rather than capture a casual likeness. The dragon imagery on the throne and robe connects the emperor directly to symbols of imperial power used throughout Chinese history.

Look closer

What details in the robe, throne, and setting are meant to show power and status?
Why might the painter be unknown while the subject is so carefully recorded?
How does a formal portrait like this differ from a casual likeness of a person?

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