In ancient Chinese history, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, is a legendary figure. However, there is a perplexing phenomenon regarding his portrait paintings: almost all portraits of Zhu Yuanzhang feature a "pig kidney-shaped face." Why is this? Did Zhu Yuanzhang really look like this?

First, we need to understand what a "pig kidney-shaped face" is. The so-called "pig kidney-shaped face" refers to facial features with an oval-shaped face, high cheekbones, and a pointed chin. In many film and television dramas, Zhu Yuanzhang's image is portrayed with this "pig kidney-shaped face".

However, there are no clear records in historical books about Zhu Yuanzhang's real appearance. Due to the significant differences in painting techniques and aesthetic concepts between that time and modern times, we cannot determine whether these portraits truly reflect Zhu Yuanzhang's facial features.

Then, why are all the portraits of Zhu Yuanzhang depicted with a "pig kidney-shaped face"? This may be related to the tradition of portrait painting in ancient times. In ancient China, portrait paintings often emphasized a person's spiritual appearance and temperament, rather than pursuing a realistic resemblance. Therefore, when painting Zhu Yuanzhang's portrait, painters may have focused more on portraying his majesty and dignity as an emperor, rather than accurately reproducing his facial features.

In addition, there is also a view that the "pig kidney-shaped face" may be a symbolic depiction of Zhu Yuanzhang. In traditional Chinese culture, pigs symbolize wealth and good fortune. Depicting Zhu Yuanzhang's facial features as a "pig kidney-shaped face" may be to emphasize his noble status and auspicious aura as a founding emperor.

In summary, we cannot determine what Zhu Yuanzhang's real appearance was. But it is certain that the "pig kidney-shaped face" is not entirely based on Zhu Yuanzhang's real appearance, but rather influenced by the tradition of portrait painting and symbolic depiction in ancient times. When evaluating historical figures, we should focus more on their historical contributions and influence, rather than being overly concerned with the authenticity of portrait paintings.

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