Erh-chi en Wo-hunag zoeken samen naar Keizer Shun Ts'ang-wu 1702

Editor: This is “Erh-chi en Wo-hunag zoeken samen naar Keizer Shun Ts'ang-wu" by Pieter Schenk, created in 1702. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum and made with watercolor. It strikes me as very delicate, almost like a page from a fairytale. What catches your eye in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I notice the recurring motif of bamboo. What does bamboo evoke for you, when you see it in this context? Editor: Hum…sturdiness maybe? Because they are using it like walking sticks. But in general I associate it with asian art in general... and well… pandas. Curator: The symbolism is rich! Beyond just the figures depicted, bamboo is a prominent symbol of resilience and moral integrity in many Asian cultures. In this watercolor, it supports the figures literally as walking sticks, but figuratively it could be interpreted as emblematic of the virtues they are seeking or the strength required for their quest. Do you see anything else interesting? Editor: I do! the chinese calligraphy at the side...it also helps contextualize it right? I can see narrative painting has also been highlighted. I hadn't heard about this story before. Curator: Precisely! The text further enriches our understanding. Narrative paintings of this type often functioned not just as illustrations but as mnemonic devices, reminders of shared history and moral lessons within a culture. They provide insight to their beliefs. It prompts me to wonder, what is lost when imagery like this is divorced from its original cultural context? Editor: I see what you mean. The layers of meaning embedded in the imagery might fade. I appreciate the new appreciation of visual symbols from different cultures; so much history to know! Curator: Absolutely, this painting offers just a small window into the power and importance of those visual symbols.