Gu was active until 960 CE[1] and was most likely a court painter of the Southern Tang dynasty during the reign of Li Yu.

Gu's original no longer exists, but the painting survives as a 12th-century remake during the subsequent Song dynasty.

[1] This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, plays string instruments, and then sees guests off.

[4] Gu Hongzhong was supposedly sent to pry on Han Xizai's private life per emperor Li Yu's request.

[4] Another is that Han Xizai repeatedly missed early-morning audiences with the emperor because of his revelry, fondness of drinking and banquets with friends, and needed to be shamed into dignified behavior.