Tall Pines and Five Deer Hanging Scroll, paper, 77X39, Taipei
Dai Jin, the founder of the Ming Dynasty's Zhe School, painted this lush landscape where towering pine trees guard a peaceful forest floor dotted with deer. In Chinese culture, the 'five deer' (wulu) are a clever pun for 'five emoluments,' symbolizing wealth and high official rank—making this a perfect auspicious gift for a scholar-official. The misty mountains in the background rise dramatically above the clouds, showcasing his masterful use of rugged, axe-cut brushstrokes to carve out the terrain. This hanging scroll beautifully captures the harmony between nature and symbolic meaning.
- Technique
- Ink and color on paper
- Material
- Paper
- Dimensions
- 77 x 39 cm
Location: National Palace Museum, Taipei