This pair of fine hand painted watercolors, or sumi-e, are rendered on silk and then mounted on course handmade paper with a brocade fabric boarder. This traditional method of mounting allows the painting to be displayed with or without a frame and matte board. The style and technique of each painting conforms to the centuries old conventions of Chinese brush painting. Both were painted in the early to mid 1970s in Chinas Sichuan region. Though painted by different artist, each follows well established customs of Chinas brush and ink art. The scenery is a highly crafted display of natural beauty with vast and breathtaking views. Majestic mountains, twisted pine trees and almost ethereal water elements make for a stunning artistic expression. But they are also a practiced depiction of ancient Eastern philosophy. The pairing of mountains and water is a classic example of Yin and Yang. The flowing feminine water (Yin) and the solid masculine mountains (Yang) are opposing energies (Chi) that exist harmoniously. Depicted together they strike a balance that is deeply rooted in Taoist thought. As is typical in this style of Asian paintings, the mountains fade into the sky to illustrate the coming together of heaven and earth. The human elements are comparatively small in the landscape, showing natures overwhelming magnitude as well as the intrinsic role of humanity in the completeness of the universe. Repeated examinations of landscape paintings from the Orient will reveal that these same themes can be found over and over again. The concepts of a balance and harmony are mainstays of eastern Philosophy, from Taoism to Feng Shui to Zen to Buddhism.

Mounting size 12x14 inch; actual painting 10x12 inch

Original hand painted watercolors circa 1970

Traditional landscape scenery on 100% silk

Representative of Taoist philosophy and themes

Acquired from Yangtze River valley, China