Exquisite beard? Yes! Abdominal muscles? No!

Character by well-known Chinese painter and poet Tang Yin (1470-1523AD)[Photo/ english.cguardian.com]

Gifted literati often have nice beards

Most of the gifted literati have long and nicely shaped beards instead of strong muscles. Their bodies are often covered by long robes or hidden in the natural scenery, as the complimentary imagination of their poetic thoughts.

Famous and prestigious ancient Chinese poet Su Shi of the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD) was widely regarded as one of the most talented and moral men in history, as were poets Qu Yuan (342-278BC), Du Fu (712-770AD) and Tao Yuanming (352-427AD). According to Wang Guowei, a famous writer, philosopher and scholar, no one in three generations can compare his talent with that of those four poets and their high moral standards should be remembered forever. However, what is noticeable is that in almost all the ancient paintings, those four intellectuals always wear well-shaped beards, which seems to be the symbol of their virtue and social status.