The Pleasures of Fishes 1291

Zhou Dongqing painted "The Pleasures of Fishes" on silk with ink and color in the 13th century. The painting is a meditation on the Daoist idea that one can only know the pleasures of something if one is that thing. This idea, that understanding comes from being, has political implications. The painting uses subtle variations in ink to create a sense of depth and movement. The fish seem to swim freely in their environment. This naturalistic approach to painting was becoming more popular at the time, as artists sought to represent the world around them in a more accurate and realistic way. It reflects a broader shift in Chinese society, away from strict adherence to tradition and toward a more open and individualistic approach to life. To better understand this shift, we might look at writings from the period, and also examine the patronage of the Southern Song court. Through such investigations we understand that this painting reflects evolving attitudes towards nature, knowledge, and self-expression in Song dynasty China.