Portrait of Li Taichu

This woodcut portrait depicts Li Taichu, whose formal name was Li Di. He is shown from the chest up, wearing the traditional winged cap of a scholar-official and a wide-sleeved robe. His hands are respectfully folded within his sleeves. He possesses a long, white beard and a mustache, features that signify his status as a senior statesman. The style is characteristic of Ming dynasty portraiture found in large-scale encyclopedias.

Li Taichu is the courtesy name original: "太初" (Taichu) of Li Di (971 to 1047), a renowned Grand Councilor of the Northern Song Dynasty. He was celebrated for his courage in opposing powerful factions at court and for his unwavering loyalty to the emperor. His inclusion in this volume places him among the most respected civil officials in Chinese history.