After
viewing the painting, the colors of the butterfly and flowers, and
the initials "CH", one is able to fully grasp the beauty
of the dream, the gentleness of a saintly spirit through the lingering
image of a butterfly, flowers and leaves under an immense sky. Wearing
a jade inlaid crown and a glittering diamond imperial robe, the
butterfly looks both majestic and romantic, like a prince venturing
into the middle of a beautiful, heavenly palace. The signature of
the artist Ching Hai embodies the image of an enlightened Master,
who solemnly stands on the crescent moon tenderly taking care of
that very glorious and naive butterfly.
The
painting "Chuang Tzu's Dream" was created using mainly
nuances without a single prime color. The flickering white, jade
and dark purple on the lavender background vividly express the freshness,
simplicity and childlike nature of a fairy story and depict a pleasant
dream, a light hearted philosophy of existence and nonexistence,
and the illusory quality of human life.
Chuang
Tzu was a saint in ancient times. One night, he had a dream of being
a butterfly. Upon waking up, he was unable to tell whether the butterfly
had had a dream about him or he had dreamed of the butterfly! Despite
its humor, the story clearly conveys Chuang Tzu's concept that "All
Beings are One." The inspiration of the saintly artist has
been spontaneously transformed into a marvelous painting on an elegant
and charming fan. Art admirers should be in great joy to have a
chance to view this painting of "Chuang Tzu's Dream" depicted
with magnificent strokes accented by thick, yet crystal clear colorful
brush work, just like glittering pearls in the morning sunshine.
"Chuang
Tzu's Dream"