Six Legendary Chinese Sages in Landscapes c. late 17th century

Curator: Before us, we have a series of six paintings attributed to Ch'ui-on, titled "Six Legendary Chinese Sages in Landscapes." Editor: They feel like daydreams, wisps of memory. The ink is so delicate, the scenes almost dissolve into the silk. Curator: Indeed. Each panel depicts a sage within a stylized landscape. The recurring motif of mountains signifies stability and refuge. Editor: And the sages themselves? They seem to be in conversation with nature, part of it. A harmonious existence we all crave, I suspect. Curator: Precisely. Notice the pines, symbols of resilience, alongside scholars, implying their unyielding spirit. There are also waterfalls, evoking the constant flow of time and knowledge. Editor: I see that. They're also visual metaphors for the cascading ideas of great thinkers. Curator: The artist really wants us to understand the journey towards enlightenment. Editor: It really makes me think about my own. Now I understand a bit more. These paintings offer a peaceful vision.