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scholar sits on a rock ledge gazing at the moon through the gnarled plum branches,
while a boy, holding a musical instrument called a qin, stands behind him. The strong brushwork of the twisted plum tree contrasts with
the soft, light ink washes of the cliffs and misty trees in the distance. The
scholar, looking away from the viewer, draws our focus to the misty, empty space
above the plum tree. The transient quality of life, as represented by the short-lived
plum blossoms, and the release from all worldly desires and suffering, as represented
by the emptiness found in this composition, are related to enlightenment in Buddhist
philosophy. This image is a visual metaphor for the concept of spiritual enlightenment
gained through meditation, as the scholar's thoughts and our vision are projected
into the empty void of this timeless painting. Back Menu |
