This hand painted watercolor, or sumi-e, is rendered on silk and 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 follows centuries old conventions in Chinese brush painting. Painted in the early to mid 1970s in Chinas Sichuan region, the scene captures disappearing customs and landscapes in China. Majestic mountains, twisted pine trees and almost ethereal water elements make for stunning scenery in this highly crafted display of natural beauty with vast and breathtaking views. Both an artistic expression and a philosophical one the painting is executed in the Kung Pi or "labouring brush" style. The pairing of mountains and water is a classic example of Yin and Yang and is a practiced depiction of ancient Eastern philosophy. 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 reveal the same themes are found over and over again. The concepts of a balance and harmony are mainstays of eastern Philosophy, from Feng Shui to Zen to Buddhism.

Mounting size 15x24 inch; actual painting area 12x20 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