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Yan Liben

Tang dynasty painter and court official whose 丁 day master expressed brilliant creative output and gained imperial favor, yet revealed limits in political craft.

0601-01-01
04:00
Chang'an (Imperial capital region)
#Culture & Media
# Tang Dynasty painter # court official # Bazi: 丁 Day Master # 官印格局

BaZi Chart

Year
Direct Wealth
庚 Geng
申 Shen
Direct Wealth
Direct Officer
Hurting Officer
Month
Hurting Officer
戊 Wu
子 Zi
Seven Killings
·
·
Day
Yuan Male
丁 Ding
未 Wei
Eating God
Peer
Indirect Resource
Hour
Direct Officer
壬 Ren
寅 Yin
Direct Resource
Rob Wealth
Hurting Officer
View Full Chart

Birth Time Verification

Conclusion: The most likely birth time is the Yin hour (around 4 a.m.). The day master Ding Fire has a shallow root, and the monthly stem Wu and Zi form a Hurting Officer pattern, indicating strong artistic expression and a tendency to please the sovereign through craft. The hour pillar Ren Water in Ren-Yin also brings Ren Water as a Direct Officer, enabling royal favor and ascent to a high position, while hidden Jia Wood acts as Direct Resource to support nurturing/education, and 丙 aids performance, forming a balanced pattern of 'Hurting Officer showing artistry, Direct Resource fostering cleverness, Official entering the career.' This precisely explains the historical tension in Yan Liben gaining favor for painting and reaching a high rank without becoming a deeply calculating statesman. Compared with other hours, those dominated by Wealth (Pian Cai) or Rob Wealth (Jie Cai) emphasize wealth or competition; hours with an excess of 'Seal/Resource' tend toward scholarship, and neither path easily achieves both outstanding painting ability and patronage that leads to promotion. Therefore, the Yin hour best fits the biographical profile.

Core Analysis

Yan Liben's eight characters are 庚申 戊子 丁未 壬寅, with the Day Master as 丁 (Yin Fire) seated in 未. The chart shows clear creative stars—食神/伤官—and a concurrent official-print configuration—正官/正印 (官印格局). This combination explains a dual life: a brilliant artist producing expressive works and a favored courtier receiving high rank.

In practical terms, the presence of 食神/伤官 supplies artistic temperament, dexterity, and a need to express (visible in major works like 《步辇图》 and 《凌烟阁功臣图》). Simultaneously, 正官 (water element relative to 丁) appears in the time pillar and in certain hidden stems, providing official responsibility and public recognition; 正印/偏印 supports the Day Master by validating credentials and attracting patronage.

However, the chart also carries internal tension: 官 (control) opposes 日主丁火, creating friction when artistic impulse faced bureaucratic duty. That dynamic aligns with historical records noting Yan's excellence in painting yet limited political maneuvering and personal discomfort serving through art. Key luck cycles—notably the 壬辰 (631–640) and 甲午 (651–660) periods—coincide with major commissions and promotions, showing effective timing between natal pattern and external opportunity.

Overall, the 官印格局 granted rank and protection while 食神/伤官 delivered the creative spark that made Yan Liben a defining figure in early Tang painting. The same configuration, by producing inner conflict between creation and administration, helps explain his uneasy relationship with court expectations and his later admonition to descendants.

Traits

1

Creativity & Artistic Genius

High creativity is indicated by strong 食神/伤官 in the chart; these Ten Gods favor expressive skill, fine technique, and aesthetic output—consistent with Yan Liben's major paintings.

2

Official Recognition

The presence of 正官 and supportive 正印/偏印 constitutes an 官印格局, giving legitimacy, patronage, and promotions that match his appointments to high offices.

3

Political Acumen

A lower score reflects the chart's inner opposition between 丁 (Fire) and 正官 (Water); this tension undermines tactical politicking and aligns with historical notes of limited statesmanship.

4

Resilience & Reputation

Stable support from 印绶 and recurring favorable 大运 cycles provided resilience; reputation was enhanced by works produced during strong luck pillars like 壬辰 and 甲午.

Timeline

625
Luck Pillar
辛 Xin 卯 Mao
Annual Pillar
乙 Yi 酉 You
Major and Annual Pillars Clash Favorable Element Emerges Noble Star Appears
25yrs career

Entering Prince Qin's Administration, Talent Recognized

During the Wude era of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Yan Liben, leveraging his noble lineage and exceptional talent, secured a position as Kùzhí (a close attendant) in the household of Prince Li Shimin. This marked the formal beginning of his official career.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Xinmao Major Pillar, with the annual pillar being Yiyou. The Major and Annual Pillars formed a Heavenly Clash and Earthly Clash (Xin-Yi clash, Mao-You clash), signifying a major life turning point where old patterns break, ushering in new opportunities and changes. The annual heavenly stem Yi Wood is the Partial Seal, precisely his Bazi's favorable element, representing talent, knowledge, and recognition from nobles. Its emergence is conducive to showcasing abilities and learning new skills. The annual earthly branch You Metal activates the Year Pillar's Geng Shen Direct Wealth. Furthermore, the annual pillar gathered auspicious stars like Heavenly Noble, Heavenly Official, and Literary Star, indicating easy access to noble support and recognition in the workplace, making his talents readily acknowledged. The Major Pillar's earthly branch Mao Wood forms a half-wood combination with the Day Pillar's Wei Earth, strengthening the Seal element's power, transforming the Killing Star into authority. This allowed him to establish himself through scholarship (Seal) in a competitive environment (Seven Killings), with his entry into Prince Qin's administration being a manifestation of this fortune.
627
Luck Pillar
辛 Xin 卯 Mao
Annual Pillar
丁 Ding 亥 Hai
Favorable Element Forms Wood Combination Heavenly Noble Assistance General Star Appears Talent Controls Killing
27yrs career

Vice Minister of Justice, Official Career Takes Off

In the early Zhenguan era, Yan Liben successively held key positions such as Zhujue Langzhong and Vice Minister of Justice, formally participating in national administration and laying a solid foundation for his illustrious official career.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Xinmao Major Pillar (621-630 AD). The major heavenly stem Xin Metal is Partial Wealth, and the earthly branch Mao Wood is Partial Seal. The annual pillar was Dinghai, with heavenly stem Ding Fire as the Peer Star and earthly branch Hai Water as the Direct Officer. Key astrological points: 1. Favorable Element Strong: The Day Master Ding Fire is weak, favoring Wood and Fire. The annual earthly branch Hai, along with the Day Pillar's Wei Earth and the Major Pillar's Mao Wood, forms a Triple Wood Combination. Wood is the Seal element, the most needed favorable element in his chart, representing strong support from officialdom or teams and noble assistance. 2. Officer and Seal Mutually Generate: The annual Hai Water is the Direct Officer, its power enhanced. Hai contains Jia Wood Direct Seal, forming the favorable Officer-Seal Mutual Generation combination, signifying authority and official recognition. 3. Gathering of Noble Stars: The annual pillar gathered auspicious stars like Heavenly Noble, Literary Star, and Fortune Star, making interpersonal relationships a superpower, beneficial for gaining recognition and opportunities in officialdom. 4. Chart Pattern Resonance: His chart pattern is Seven Killings, which favors Talent Star controlling the Killing or Seal Star transforming the Killing. This year's Triple Wood Combination greatly increases Seal power, effectively transforming Killing into authority, turning pressure and challenges into official positions and power. Overall, this was a year of powerful fortune, with official opportunities naturally falling into place.
636
Luck Pillar
壬 Ren 辰 Chen
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 申 Shen
Triple Water Combination Ding-Ren Combine into Wood Direct Officer Major Pillar Artistic Star Activated
36yrs career

Commissioned to Paint Six Steeds, Artistry Immortalized

In the tenth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin ordered Yan Liben to design and paint the likenesses of the six warhorses he rode in battle. These were later carved in stone and erected at Zhaoling Mausoleum, creating the eternally famous 'Six Steeds of Zhaoling'.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Renchen Direct Officer Major Pillar. The major heavenly stem Ren Water (Direct Officer) combines with the Day Master Ding Fire into Wood (Ding-Ren Combine into Wood), a clear sign of gaining official recognition and elevated social status in his career. The annual pillar was Bingshen. Although the heavenly stem Bing Fire (Rob Wealth) clashes with the Ren Water Officer Star, bringing competition and pressure, the earthly branch Shen-Zi-Chen Triple Water Combination is extremely powerful, concentrating the energy of the Officer/Killing (Water) element. This represents a clear mandate and heavy responsibility from the highest authority (Emperor Taizong). The major pillar's Artistic Star signifies the cultivation and manifestation of artistic talent, resonating with the Hour Pillar's State Seal. This corresponds perfectly to receiving an imperial commission for his painting skills, combining personal artistic attainment with national achievement, thereby leaving an immortal mark in art history.
636
Luck Pillar
壬 Ren 辰 Chen
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 申 Shen
Triple Water Combination Ding-Ren Combine into Wood Unfavorable Element Emerges Virtue Noble State Seal
36yrs career

Cuwei Palace: Channeling Energy Through Labor

Emperor Taizong, troubled by the summer heat in the palace, ordered the renovation of Cuwei Temple on Zhongnan Mountain into the Cuwei Summer Palace for retreat and leisure.

Analysis
This year under the Renchen Major Pillar, annual pillar Bingshen. His chart's Ding Fire Day Master, born in harsh winter, is inherently weak and most averse to Water (Officer/Killing) for restraint. The major heavenly stem Ren Water (Direct Officer) emerges, clashing with the annual Bing Fire (Rob Wealth), intensifying the Fire-Water conflict, making inner restlessness and pressure likely. However, the major earthly branch Chen forms a Shen-Zi-Chen Triple Water Combination with the Year, Month, and Hour Pillar's earthly branches, concentrating the unfavorable Water element's power to its peak, creating a powerful field of Officer/Killing pressure. Fortunately, Ding-Ren Combine into Wood, where the Officer Star comes to combine with the Day Master, signifies official affairs seeking him out, requiring action to resolve pressure. Renovating the palace precisely embodies 'channeling energy through labor'—using a specific, grand project (Earth can control Water, and the project, being an official act, corresponds to the Officer Star) to channel and transform this powerful Officer/Killing energy. Simultaneously, the major and annual pillars carry the Virtue Noble and State Seal, favorable for promoting large-scale projects through virtuous governance and authority. This act both settled his mind and body and displayed imperial majesty.
640
Luck Pillar
壬 Ren 辰 Chen
Annual Pillar
庚 Geng 子 Zi
Ding-Ren Combine into Wood Triple Water Combination General Star State Seal Noble Seasonal Element Emerges
40yrs career

Imperial Commission for a Masterpiece

In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo sent his minister Gar Tongtsen to the Tang court to request a marriage alliance. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin ordered court painter Yan Liben to depict this important diplomatic scene. Yan Liben thus began conceptualizing and drafting the initial version of 'Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy', recording this historic moment.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Renchen Major Pillar (Direct Officer Fortune), annual pillar Gengzi. The major heavenly stem Ren Water (Direct Officer) combines with the Day Master Ding Fire (Ding-Ren Combine into Wood). This is a clear signal of the Officer coming to combine with me, representing direct appointment and recognition from officialdom/the imperial authority. The annual heavenly stem Geng Metal is the seasonal element emerging. Geng Metal splits Jia Wood to ignite Ding Fire, precisely the vitality and opportunity most needed by Ding Fire in winter, symbolizing his talent being showcased on a crucial occasion. Simultaneously, the Year, Major, and Annual Pillar's earthly branches Shen, Chen, Zi form a Triple Water Combination, with Officer/Killing (Water) power extremely strong. Although this is an unfavorable element, in this event, the powerful Officer/Killing corresponds directly to the major mission and pressure from the emperor (supreme authority). The annual earthly branch Zi activates the General Star, and the major Chen Earth carries the State Seal Noble, both indicating holding key responsibilities and handling official documents/seals in official affairs, highly consistent with the duty of painting by imperial decree to record state events. His chart's inherent Seven Killings pattern paired with Talent controlling Killing and Seal transforming Killing endowed him with the ability to utilize intelligence (Talent) and skill (Seal) to fulfill missions under high pressure (imperial command).
641
Luck Pillar
癸 Gui 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
辛 Xin 丑 Chou
Seven Killings Major Pillar Heavenly Official Noble Day Pillar Clash Skillful Expression
41yrs career

Masterpiece Seals Legacy

In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, Yan Liben completed the masterpiece 'Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy'. With exquisite artistry, he immortalized the historic moment of Emperor Taizong receiving Tibetan envoy Gar Tongtsen, highlighting the grandeur of the Tang and the significance of the Sino-Tibetan marriage alliance. This marked the pinnacle of his artistic career.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben entered the Guisi Seven Killings Major Pillar, annual pillar Xinchou. The major heavenly stem Gui Water (Seven Killings) emerges, representing pressure and official heavy responsibilities. Coinciding with the Heavenly Official Noble in the annual pillar, it indicates gaining official appreciation and important commissions. Painting 'Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy' precisely embodies undertaking an imperial command to showcase national prestige. The annual earthly branch Chou Earth clashes with the Day Pillar's Wei Earth. Clash brings movement, movement leads to completion, activating the energy of the Day Branch's Talent reservoir, violently expressing inner talent (Talent) and skill (Skill). Simultaneously, the Month Pillar's Wu Earth (Skill) combines with the major pillar's Gui Water (Seven Killings), forming the noble pattern of 'Skill Combining with Killing'. Exceptional skill (Skill) harnesses and accomplishes a major official project (Seven Killings), ultimately creating this masterpiece of great political and historical significance.
643
Luck Pillar
癸 Gui 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
癸 Gui 卯 Mao
Seven Killings Emerge Seasonal Element Supported Heavenly Virtue Noble General Star Appears Ding-Ren Combine into Wood
43yrs career

Painting Immortal Merits at Lingyan Pavilion

In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, by order of Emperor Taizong, he painted portraits of the twenty-four founding meritorious officials at Lingyan Pavilion, with Chu Suiliang inscribing eulogies. This work became an artistic monument honoring achievements and establishing the ruler-subject paradigm, also marking the pinnacle of his artistic career.

Analysis
This year coincided with the Guisi Major Pillar. The major heavenly stem Gui Water (Seven Killings) emerges, representing major missions and pressure from imperial authority, overlapping with the annual heavenly stem Gui Water, making Officer/Killing energy extremely strong. However, his chart favors Wood and Fire. The annual earthly branch Mao Wood is the Partial Seal, and the major earthly branch Si Fire is the Rob Wealth, precisely where the favorable elements find support. Mao Wood forms a half-wood combination with the Day Pillar's Wei Earth, and resonates distantly with the Hour Pillar's Ding-Ren Combine into Wood. The Seal Star's power is activated, representing the ultimate expression of his talent, knowledge, and reputation. The major Si Fire is the Emperor's Prosperity position and the root of the seasonal element Geng Metal, making him resolute and confident (Fire prosperous) under immense pressure (Seven Killings), with skills reaching perfection. The simultaneous appearance of Heavenly Virtue Noble and General Star foretells a masterpiece of perfect timing, location, and harmony, capable of perfectly carrying the emperor's will and achieving a legacy-making enterprise.
646
Luck Pillar
癸 Gui 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 午 Wu
Triple Fire Combination Favorable Element Supported Prosperity Star on Self Fortune Star Shines
46yrs career

Renovating Palaces Again, Fire as Brush

Emperor Taizong again ordered Yan Liben to oversee the renovation of Cuwei Palace. This was another important affirmation of his architectural and engineering abilities, marking significant trust and appointment in his official career.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Guisi Seven Killings Major Pillar, annual pillar Bingwu. The annual heavenly stem Bing Fire (Rob Wealth) emerges as a favorable element. The earthly branch Wu Fire is also a favorable element. Most crucially, the annual earthly branch Wu Fire, along with the major earthly branch Si Fire and the Day Pillar's Wei Earth, forms a Triple Southern Fire Combination, transforming the restraining power of the unfavorable Seven Killings (Water) into a blazing Fire force. Fire is favored by his Peer/Seal stars, representing colleague support and the ultimate expression of personal talent. The annual pillar shows Prosperity Star and Fortune Noble, indicating smooth career progress, noble appreciation, and successful completion of entrusted tasks. The Bingwu year's blazing Fire corresponds perfectly to his astrological sign of excelling in civil engineering (Earth represents his Talent, symbolizing skill) based on his Fire (Ding Fire Day Master) foundation.
652
Luck Pillar
甲 Jia 午 Wu
Annual Pillar
壬 Ren 子 Zi
Favorable Element Emerges Seasonal Element Jia Wood Ding-Ren Combine into Wood Day Pillar Combines with Officer
52yrs career

Designing the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, Art Defining Grandeur

In the third year of Yonghui, Emperor Gaozong ordered the construction of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda to house the sutras and statues brought back by Master Xuanzang. Yan Liben was commissioned to design the Da Ci'en Temple and paint Buddha images. His works were engraved at the pagoda's base, becoming masterpieces for posterity.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was under the Jiawu Major Pillar. The major heavenly stem Jia Wood is his Bazi's seasonal element and favorable element. The Direct Seal emerges, indicating talent display and noble appreciation. The annual pillar was Renzi. The heavenly stem Ren Water (Direct Officer) combines with the Day Master Ding Fire, forming Ding-Ren Combine into Wood, again activating the favorable Wood energy. Moreover, it combines with the Officer Star, representing an important official appointment and direct recognition and重用 from the emperor (Officer Star) in his career. The major earthly branch Wu Fire is the Prosperity Star for the Day Master Ding Fire, enhancing his personal energy and allowing his skills full play. In this fortune and year, favorable elements Wood and Fire arrive together, the Seal Star transforms the Killing, and the Officer comes to combine with him. This was precisely the glorious moment in his artistic career when he undertook major imperial projects and established his historical status.
656
Luck Pillar
甲 Jia 午 Wu
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 辰 Chen
Direct Seal Emerges Day Pillar Combines into Fire Seasonal Element State Seal & Artistic Star
56yrs career

Succeeding His Brother, Leading Imperial Works

In the first year of Xianqing, his elder brother Yan Lide passed away. Yan Liben succeeded him, assuming the position of Chief Minister of the Imperial Workshops, formally taking charge of palace construction and engineering affairs, opening an important new phase in his official career.

Analysis
This year, Yan Liben was 56, under the Jiawu Major Pillar. The major heavenly stem Jia Wood (Direct Seal) emerges, precisely the urgently needed favorable element for his Bazi's seasonal adjustment and pattern, indicating noble support and talent display. The annual pillar was Bingchen. Bing Fire (Rob Wealth) emerges as the heavenly stem, favored by the Ding Fire Day Master, enhancing his personal energy and initiative. The major earthly branch Wu Fire combines with the Day Pillar's Wei Earth into Fire, further consolidating the Day Master's foundation. The annual earthly branch Chen Earth activates the Year, Month, and Hour Pillars' Shen-Zi-Chen Triple Water Combination, causing a sudden increase in Officer/Killing (Water) power, representing a sharp rise in official responsibility and pressure. However, his chart and major pillar have Seal Star (Wood) to transform the Killing and Peer Stars (Fire) to resist it, enabling him to shoulder this重任. The annual pillar shows State Seal and Artistic Star, indicating his professional skill and credibility received formal official recognition, allowing his talent to shine brilliantly. The position change following his brother's death corresponds to this fortune and year's astrological features of Officer/Killing flourishing and Seal Star transforming into authority, enabling him to take on重任 amidst grief and step into a new career phase.
656
Luck Pillar
甲 Jia 午 Wu
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 辰 Chen
Jiawu Direct Seal Major Pillar Bingchen Annual Rob Wealth Day Pillar Ding-Ren Combine into Wood Officer-Seal Mutual Generation Favorable Elements Align
56yrs career

Leading the Ministry of Works, Seal Transforms Killing into Central Power

Promoted from Chief Minister of the Imperial Workshops to Minister of Works, taking full charge of national engineering and construction, formally entering the court's core decision-making circle, his official career reached a new peak.

Analysis
This year's promotion benefited astrologically from the powerful support of the Jiawu Direct Seal Major Pillar and the Bingchen Annual Pillar. His Bazi features a Ding Fire Day Master, born in harsh winter with Seven Killings in command, making him weak and favoring Wood and Fire. The major heavenly stem Jia Wood is the Direct Seal, precisely the seasonal element most needed by his chart, capable of neutralizing the凶性 of the Monthly Commander's Seven Killings, transforming it into authority. The annual heavenly stem Bing Fire is the Rob Wealth, directly supporting the Day Master and enhancing his personal strength. The major earthly branch Wu Fire is the Prosperity Star for the Day Master Ding Fire, his strong root. The annual earthly branch Chen Earth forms a Shen-Zi-Chen Triple Water Combination with the Year, Month, and Hour Pillar's earthly branches. Although this is an unfavorable element, the powerful Water Combination's Officer/Killing flourish, under the effective transformation of the major pillar's Seal Star, instead forms the noble pattern of Officer-Seal Mutual Generation, representing official recognition and authority授予. The Day Pillar Ding Fire's combination with the Hour Pillar Ren Water into Wood (Ding-Ren Combine into Wood) was strongly sensed this year, meaning a major career breakthrough was achieved through the combination of personal talent and the official platform.

FAQ

How does Yan Liben's Bazi explain his exceptional painting talent?
His chart contains prominent 食神/伤官 stars that encourage expression, technique, and creativity. These Ten Gods in relation to 丁 day master naturally favor artistic production and public works, explaining his mastery and signature paintings.
Why was Yan Liben highly ranked but considered poor at political maneuvering?
The chart's 官印格局 granted rank and imperial favor, but the opposing relationship between 丁 (Fire) and 正官 (Water) produced internal friction. That pattern often yields honor and titles without the subtle craft of court politics.
Do his major career events match his luck cycles (大运)?
Yes. Notable creative commissions and rises to prominence occur during supportive cycles such as 壬辰 (631–640) and 甲午 (651–660), when official and supporting stars align with opportunities for commissions and appointments.
Did his Bazi indicate any risks to reputation or status?
The reliance on 官印 and visible works means reputation depended on court favor and public acceptance. Tensions from 伤官/食神 versus 正官 can expose one to criticism if artistic service is seen as unbefitting official stature.
What lesson does his chart suggest for descendants or artists?
Balance creative expression with social strategy: when 食神/伤官 is strong, cultivate supportive 印 and manage relations with 官 to preserve status. Yan Liben's life shows that talent plus prudent courtcraft leads to lasting legacy.

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