160.3 cm (vertical) × 112.8 cm (horizontal)

 

This painting depicts Empress Yang Meizi (1162–1232), consort of Emperor Ningzong, seated with her hands respectfully folded. According to the History of Song: “Yang, Empress Gongsheng, was selected for the palace due to her beauty, with her family background left forgotten.” Although of humble origins, Empress Yang was highly learned. Volume 6 of the Essentials of the History of Calligraphy states: “Ningzong’s empress… was well-versed in literature and history, knowledgeable of ancient and modern matters, and her calligraphy resembled that of Emperor Ningzong… Many of Ma Yuan’s paintings bore her inscriptions.” This indicates her expertise in calligraphy and art appreciation. Poems inscribed by Empress Yang are often found in Ma Yuan’s works housed in the imperial collection, showcasing her disciplined and graceful calligraphy styles and establishing her as a representative figure of accomplished calligraphy among Song dynasty imperial consorts.

 

In the portrait, Empress Yang wears a crown adorned with dragon-patterned floral hairpins and a ceremonial gown featuring a crossed collar and wide sleeves, with woven and embroidered motifs of paired pheasants. According to the Song Huiyao Jigao (Song Government Manuscript Compendium), “The ceremonial gown was made of plain yarn with an undershirt, accompanied by a long skirt and a green belt... worn for significant occasions such as investitures, sericulture ceremonies, and court assemblies.” This attire corresponds to the ceremonial gowns worn by empresses during their investiture rituals. Additionally, Wenxian Tongkao (Comprehensive Examination of Literature) details the empresses’ attire system: “The empress’s crown features 12 floral ornaments... and is adorned with nine dragons and four phoenixes, while the consorts’ crowns feature nine floral ornaments... with nine pheasants and four phoenixes.” Differences in crown specifications reflected the hierarchical distinctions between women of varying statuses and power within the political domain.