Book of Jin
The historically-recorded name inscriptions next to the figures cause the relief painting functions as "portraiture represents specific people". In addition, the iconographic details of each figure based on biography renders an extent of individualization. For instance, the biography of Liu Ling in the "Book of Jin" records his obsession with alcohol. In the relief paining, the figure of Liu Ling sits in a casual posture with a curving knee and holds an "erbei", a vessel for alcohol, while dipping the other hand into the cup to have a taste of the drink. The portrait reflects the essence of Liu Ling's characteristics and temperament. The figure of Ruan Xian who was famous for musical talents according to the "Book of Jin" plays a flute in the portrait.