According to Jimu News on 14/1, a sculpture located at Huaqingchi, Xi'an city, has become a trending social topic, despite being displayed for 35 years. Huaqingchi, a hot spring resort for Tang Dynasty emperors and their consorts, is situated within Huaqing Palace, now a tourist destination in Xi'an. At the time, the imperial consort believed bathing in hot springs could ward off evil spirits and prevent epidemics.

The "imperial consort emerging from the bath" statue. *Photo: Sina*

Recently, the artwork sparked debate after several bloggers checked in at the site, describing the statue as "indecent" and "negatively impacting society". Opponents argue that sculpting nude figures of real historical individuals is inappropriate and damages their image.

A Weibo user named Vi Vi wrote, "The imperial consort likely never imagined she would be sculpted like this one thousand years later". Vi Vi noted that while many nude sculptures from the Renaissance exist worldwide, they feature diverse subjects, including men, women, and children. These works naturally depict muscles, physiques, and body fat, avoiding "perfected" forms. Such sculptures embody humanism, showing respect for human value and life through the body's natural lines, rather than adhering to fixed aesthetic standards.

In contrast, the Yang Guifei sculpture features a balanced physique and perfect lines. Many viewers believe this beauty aligns with modern standards, differing from the Tang Dynasty's aesthetic preference for plump, full-figured women. Critics label the artwork as "commercializing sensuality".

Some assert the issue is not nudity itself, but that the subject is a real historical woman. Furthermore, they suggest the artwork belongs in an art museum rather than a public space.

Another viewpoint defends the sculpture, seeing it as a creative expression based on the artist's interpretation. Placed at the hot spring, the statue carries symbolic cultural meaning. Viewers commented: "The statue is beautiful; are people criticizing it because they are overthinking things? What's wrong with it as it is?", and "It's an overly conservative mindset to impose negative thoughts on a sculpture".

Renowned sculptor Pan He created the statue, which has been on display since 1991, following approval from cultural authorities. A representative from the tourist site stated that nude art has a long history in China, appearing in Han Dynasty frescoes and bronze mirrors. The tourist site reported public feedback to the management authorities and awaits their decision.

Yang Guifei, also known as Yang Yuhuan (719-756), was among the most famous beauties in the imperial harems of feudal dynasties. She inspired hundreds of poems, musical compositions, paintings, and films.

The love story of Yang Guifei and Tang Xuanzong is intertwined with tales of the Tang Dynasty's peak prosperity. However, many attribute the emperor's infatuation and favor towards the imperial consort as a cause of the dynasty's decline. In 756, following An Lushan's rebellion, Tang Xuanzong fled the capital with Yang Guifei. Her death remains a mystery.

According to the Xin Tang Shu and Jiu Tang Shu, Tang Xuanzong's generals compelled the emperor to order Yang Guifei's death before they would support saving the Tang Dynasty. Reluctantly, Tang Xuanzong had his beloved consort strangled. Some legends claim Yang Guifei was killed by enemies during their escape or that she was taken by boat to live in another country.

Nghinh Xuan