1191 A blue-and-white hu-form vase with a scene from Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Figures are arranged among rocks, banners and changing scenery, with robes and gestures suggesting movement and response. Under the museum’s Three Kingdoms title, the decoration invites readings of heroic action, loyalty and strategy. It illustrates how an unfolding literary narrative can wrap around a vessel, without requiring an uncertain battle or character to be named.