Reciting Poetry by the Willow Bank

Fu Baoshi loved painting and excelled at depicting ancient figures. His portrayal of these figures drew inspiration from his studies of Gu Kaizhi and captured the essence of the art from the Six Dynasties. In his painting Reciting Poetry by the Willow Bank, a scholar with a clear and elegant visage, adorned with a five-stranded beard, exudes a carefree and refined demeanor as he strolls along the riverbank, emanating a sense of serenity and contentment. It is likely that the scholar depicted in the painting is a representation of the renowned poet Tao Yuanming of the Jin Dynasty (356- 427 AD).

Tao Yuanming epitomizes the ideal of enlightenment for intellectuals throughout Chinese history. To those disenchanted with reality, Tao serves as a spiritual guidepost, celebrated for his retreat to the mountains, his passion for reading without the pursuit of profound knowledge, his love for wine, his reserved disposition, aversion to fame and wealth, and unwavering commitment to his principles. This philosophy of life deeply resonated with Fu Baoshi during his time in Jingangpo near Chongqing. Despite the challenges of the 1940s in war-torn Chongqing, characterized by heavy family responsibilities and poverty, this period proved to be remarkably fruitful for Fu Baoshi. He took pleasure in drinking and was often seen “preferring wine over tea during moments of leisure.” This enjoyment served as a significant source of motivation for his artistic endeavors. These anecdotes may shed light on the artist’s particular fascination with Tao Yuanming.