Lao-tzu Riding an Ox 

Editor: Here we have a drawing called "Lao-tzu Riding an Ox" by Chen Hongshou. It's rendered in ink. The first thing that strikes me is its quietness; the image feels so still and contemplative. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, stillness is a perfect word. To me, this work sings of gentle journeys and quiet wisdom. The very act of riding an ox suggests a slow, deliberate pace, doesn’t it? It’s a far cry from a galloping horse. There's a playful contradiction here: Lao-tzu, a figure of immense philosophical weight, is perched somewhat precariously on this...sturdy but, let's face it, not exactly glamorous ox. Makes you wonder if profound insight comes from unexpected places, doesn’t it? Editor: That contrast between the sage and the ox is fascinating! Does the landscape around them have a meaning as well? Curator: Absolutely! The landscape isn't just scenery; it's an extension of Lao-tzu's internal state. Look at the bamboo—a symbol of resilience and flexibility in the face of life's storms. Everything breathes with a delicate, almost ethereal quality. The light feels soft, as if illuminating a dream rather than documenting reality. Doesn’t it remind you that the search for knowledge often feels more like a dream? Editor: That's a great perspective. Before, I was caught up in the surface of things. Now, I see the deeper connection between Lao-tzu and his environment. Curator: Yes! Seeing that connection… suddenly the ox doesn't seem so mundane anymore, does it? More of a companion on this intellectual quest? The drawing invites us not just to observe, but to feel our own journey. Editor: I came in seeing an image, but I leave considering a path, thank you! Curator: Precisely. Art invites us to find our own ox to ride, doesn't it? It has been a joy to muse with you on this philosophical trot.