Xiao He was a Chinese calligrapher and politician of the early Western Han dynasty. He served Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty, during the insurrection against the Qin dynasty, and fought on Liu's side in the Chu–Han Contention against Liu's rival, Xiang Yu. After the founding of the Han dynasty, Xiao He became the chancellor and held office until his death. For his contributions, he is also known as one of the "Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty" (漢初三傑), along with Han Xin and Zhang Liang.
A portrait of Xiao He in the Sancai Tuhui
An illustration tablet of Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the Moonlight.
Emperor Gaozu of Han, also known by his given name Liu Bang (劉邦), was the founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, reigning from 202 to 195 BC. He is considered by traditional Chinese historiography to be one the greatest emperors in history, credited with establishing the Pax Sinica, one of China's longest golden ages.
Posthumous depiction from the Ming dynasty
Liu Bang, in an illustration by Qing dynasty artist Shangguan Zhou 上官周 (1665–1749)
A Western Han female dancer in silk robes, 2nd century BC, Metropolitan Museum of Art; Xiang Zhuang intended to assassinate Liu Bang by pretending to do a sword dance
A portrait painting of Emperor Gao of Han (Liu Bang), from an 18th-century Qing dynasty album of Chinese emperors' portraits.[citation needed]