The Pavilion of Prince Teng 1352

Tang Di created this ink on paper scroll, "The Pavilion of Prince Teng," during a tumultuous period of shifting powers in China. Tang Di, living through the final years of the Yuan Dynasty, witnessed both the imposition of Mongol rule and the stirrings of Han Chinese nationalism. The Pavilion of Prince Teng itself symbolizes cultural and political power, and Tang Di paints a lonely picture of it. The building is seen through a misty haze, suggesting not only atmospheric perspective, but also the weight of history, and perhaps a sense of longing for a bygone era. The red seals stamped across the painting by later collectors act like graffiti on a monument, reminders of changing tastes, and shifting political landscapes. This painting invites us to reflect on how cultural symbols persist through time, carrying different meanings for different generations. It's a reminder that history is not a fixed narrative, but a series of interpretations filtered through personal and collective experience.