One of the Oldest Known Paintings of Confucius found in Tomb of Disgraced Ex-Emperor

There may be some irony in the discovery of a possible painting of Confucius, known for espousing high-minded morals and the importance of good governance – it was found in the tomb of an ancient Chinese emperor dethroned after just 27 days for loose morals and bad performance.

The painting, on a broken lacquer screen that archaeologists recently pieced back together, was discovered in the tomb of Liu He, the grandson of Emperor Wu. If the painting does depict the ancient philosopher and founder of Confucianism, it is the oldest known portrait of him, says Xinhuanet.com.

Wu is considered one of China’s greatest leaders of antiquity, ruling his realm during a prosperous era. But Liu He, who succeeded Wu, quickly proved he was unworthy of the exalted title and office of emperor, and the royal clan dethroned him.