Author:Ni jan-ling

Size:Length:198 x Width:86 (cm)

Introduction：Ni Jan-ling (1923-), born in Kwoyang County, Anhui Province, later moved to Taiwan. Taught by Gongbi master Yu Chung-lin, who specializes in depicting birds and flowers, Ni Jan-ling is known for his portrayal of ink-wash shrimp and carp, and Gongbi flower, birds, and fruits. He has held 14 solo exhibitions and hundreds of group exhibitions in Taiwan. As the one who received numerous awards across the countries and whose works have been collected by national and foreign museums, he was invited to exhibit at the United States, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Jordan, and more. Today, Ni Jan-ling serves as the director of the Taiwan Chinese Art Association, vice president of the Jia-chen Poetry-art Association, president of Pine Tree Chinese Painting Society, and the president of the Chinese Calligraphy & Painting Association. His most well-known work includes Collection of Ni Jan-ling Paintings.
Visiting the Wise is a collaborative work created by Ni Jan-ling and other eleven artists from Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Association. It illustrates one of the scenes in the renowned Chinese mythologies "The Fishing of Jiang Zi-ya." Legend has it that Jiang Zi-ya (also known as Jiang Tai-gong) was a minor official in Shang Dynasty. However, King Zhou of Shang was a tyrannical ruler who mercilessly executed any dissenting voice. Civil unrest haunted the days. Unwilling to see his people suffering in poverty and famine, Jiang resigned from his position and went away to live in seclusion in Panshi Gorge.
During his reclusive period, Jiang Tai-gong often went fishing by Wei River; however, he insisted on using a straight wire as the hook. As expected, no fish were caught. One day, King Wen of Zhou happened to be on a hunting trip near Wei River and saw Jiang, an old and absurd man sitting by the river fishing with a straight hook. Confused, King Wen of Zhou asked, "How do you plan to catch fish with a straight hook?" "The fish would come to him of their own volition when they were ready," answered Jiang. King Wen of Zhou was also a wise man, and he immediately noticed the implicit meaning in Jiang's words. He spoke of his vision to overthrow the corrupted empire and asked for Jiang's guidance. King Wen of Zhou respected Jiang as his teacher and even pulled his cart to invite Jiang to his territory.
The painting depicts the renowned encounter between King Wen of Zhou, who bows with respectful hands, and Jiang Zi-ya, whose expression is serene and earnest, so is the work named Visiting the Wise. The artist cleverly uses the change of perspective and dimension. If the viewer follows the meandering river to the left, the clouds and mist fill the forest. On the right, however, at the junctions of forests and trees, one can see the crowds, vehicles, and horses escorting the King. The painting perfectly visualizes Jiang Zi-ya's opposing choice: to stay in exile and his seclusive Utopia or return to society and disturbances.

Accession Number:PT09400500

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