Portrait of a Nobleman Khara-Khoto 12th century Paper, gouache 45 x 32 cm This portrait of an official wearing state costume (high headdress and long robe) is executed in restrained colours, enlivened by the bright colour of the belt. It is notable for its exquisite drawing and is regarded as an example of Chinese Classic painting of the Song period (10th-13th centuries). Faces such as these were painted on the basis of a physiognomy chart, a model book setting out accepted canons for facial features.