Lao Tzu and Blue Ox Item Number: 3082/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Watercolour and ink painting of Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, produced for the lunar New Year. The image shows Lao Tzu riding a blue ox, who's head is wrapped around his master's leg on the right. A circle with geometric linear patterns surrounds the philosopher's head. In front of him sits an incense burner on a short pedestal, with two attendants standing to the sides. One holds a sheathed sword, the other a group of feathers. The painting is adhered to a long scroll of heavy paper covered with white silk, attached to a wood scroll bar. A brown ribbon is attached at top.