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China: Emperor Zhao of Han (94-74 BCE) from the 'Thirteen Emperors Scroll' painted by Tang Dynasty court painter Yan Liben (600-673).

China: Emperor Zhao of Han (94-74 BCE) from the 'Thirteen Emperors Scroll' painted by Tang Dynasty court painter Yan Liben (600-673).

Emperor Zhao of Han (94 BC – 74 BC) was an emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty from 87 BC to 74 BC. Emperor Zhao was the youngest son of Emperor Wu of Han. By the time Zhao was born, Emperor Wu was already 62. Zhao ascended the throne after the death of Emperor Wu in 87 BC. He was only 8 years old. Huo Guang served as regent. Emperor Wu's long reign left the Han Dynasty greatly expanded; however constant warfares had depleted the empire's coffer. Emperor Zhao, under the tutelage of Huo, took the initiative and lowered taxes as well as reduced government spending. As a result, citizens prospered and the Han Dynasty enjoyed an era of peace. Unfortunately, Emperor Zhao died after reigning for 13 years. He was only 20.

Yan Liben (Wade–Giles: Yen Li-pen, c. 600-673), formally Baron Wenzhen of Boling, was a Chinese painter and government official of the early Tang Dynasty. His notable works include the Thirteen Emperors Scroll and Northern Qi Scholars Collating Classic Texts. He also painted the Portraits at Lingyan Pavilion, under Emperor Taizong of Tang, commissioned in 643 to commemorate 24 of the greatest contributors to Emperor Taizong's reign, as well as 18 portraits commemorating the 18 great scholars who served Emperor Taizong when he was the Prince of Qin. Yan's paintings included painted portraits of various Chinese emperors from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) up until the Sui Dynasty (581-618) period

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