Jane Hartley Fine Art

TAO QIAN'S WILLOW BRANCHES  is about creativity and inspiration.  The painting is shown here along with it's blessing, legend and explanation of the symbolism.

The Blessing:

May you cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.

The Legend: 

Tao Qian, Poet of Reclusion

Tao Qian (365-427) also known as Tao Yuan-ming, was one of the most influential pre-Tang Dynasty Chinese poets.  The garden of this famous poet contained five willows which were featured not only in his poetry, but also in artistic representations of the idyllic retired life.  He came from a notable and well educated family which descended into poverty, leaving him torn between ambition and a desire to retreat into solitude.  His great-grandfather was the famous Eastern Jin Dynasty general and governor, "Tao Kan". 

After serving minor posts in the Jin Court and the death of his sister, Tao Qian's disgust with the corruption and infighting of the Jin Court led him to resign.  His experiences convinced him that life was too short to compromise his principles, so he went on to live in retirement for his last 22 years.  Approximately 130 of his works survive.  Most of his poems and essays depict a bucolic pastoral life of farming and drinking, which earned him a nickname  “Poet of the Fields”.   His autobiographical work  titled “Biography of the Gentleman of the Five Willows” is referred to as a stylized tour de force. 

While his poems were not popular in his time, they would later become a major influence on the poetry of the Tang and Song Dynasties. 

The Symbolism: 

The willow has always been associated with the life of scholars, artists and poets, who would stroll among them along the rivers and lakes where the tree grows, seeking inspiration.  One of the most influential pre-Tang Dynasty poets, Tao Qian, had willows in his garden which he featured in his poetry. To the Chinese, the willow also symbolizes vitality and strength and was believed to possess magic powers.  Sprigs and branches are sometimes placed by doorways of homes to protect them.  It was also said that branches were picked and presented to friends prior to leaving for distant lands to signify close friendship and a safe trip.

The pear tree is very long-lived, and has been known to bear fruit when 300 years old.  Hence, the pear is one of the emblems of longevity.

Grapes were introduced to China around 126 BC by Minister Zhang Qian upon his return from the Indo- Scythians.  They signify wealth, abundance, and fertility.

The butterfly signifies long life, along with beauty and elegance.