Pictured is an interesting contrast in time and style. One is a 15th century Ming dynasty silk-mounted scroll painting of a solitary fisherman by a riverbank. The other is a recent photograph of a rural fisherwoman at a fish pond in Chiaohsi, northern Taiwan. The two present strong contrasts. They reveal the changes brought on with the advance of time. For instance, the figure in the painting wears garments woven from rushes and reeds. The woman, in contrast, wears modern, ready-to-wear fabrics. The river in the painting meanders, while the woman in the photo fishes at a man-made, geometrically even fish pond. Lush vegetation grows in profusion along the river bank, expressing the dominance of nature, while in contrast, an automatic food sprayer in the pond clearly testifies to man's mechanical manipulation of nature. Interestingly, however, some things do not change. Both wear the traditional broad-brimmed hat and use the strong nets Chinese fishermen have used for centuries.
The painting dates from the period of the Ming dynasty emperor, Hsuan Tzung and is the work of the renowned court artist, Ni Tuan. Fine detail, especially in the net and the life-like human figures (notice the sense of strength and determination in the fisherman) are all hallmarks of his style. Ni Tuan clever use of placing a large boulder at the bottom of the scroll helps to give a better sense of perspective and balance.
The poem which accompanies the scroll painting at the top of the scene expresses the philosophy of harmony within nature. Paintings, often depicting scenes of water with fishermen were allegories of the carefree ideals sought in Taoism. Contentment and a sense of enjoying the simple things in life--a song, wine, friends--these were the hidden meanings expressed through paints.
In today's hectic world, a visit to a peaceful lake setting may help to remind us of this simple, yet profound philosophy of life.
(Gerald Hatherly)
The Fisherman: Past and Present.
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