Art and Culture

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  • Stories from Ancient China: Some Things in Life are Worth More Gold

    The woodsman threw his sickle to the ground, raised his eyebrows, and said angrily, "You are a noble, but why do you treat other people as if they are beneath you? You have a grand and heroic appearance, but why do you speak so rudely? I would rather wear feather-down in hot May while chopping firewood. Why should I pick up gold that someone else has lost?"
  • Painting: Calling for Justice

  • Painting: Royal Court Dancer

  • Painting: Waist Drum

  • Painting: Wishing Longevity

    There is an ancient Chinese legend which talks about a goddess called Magu. Magu was very young and beautiful, forever looking as beautiful and innocent as an 18 year old girl. Actually she has been alive for tens of thousands of years. She once told a friend that she had seen the East Ocean turn from land to ocean no less than three times!
  • Poem: Hold On

    Mothers and daughters of Chinawe see your tears, your saddened heartsfathers and sons, we see your fearsyour families torn apart.Hold on to truththe brightest skies are unfoldinghold on to couragethe coldest tides are turninghold on, hold on...
  • Stories from Ancient China: A Mean Feng Shui Master

    Ten years later, the geomancer once again found himself passing by this place. He thought of the old woman, and the burial site he had purposely chosen for her, which was actually a forbidding and ominous site. In other words, once the old woman was buried there, her surviving family would be doomed. The geomancer arrived at the location, and immediately noticed a tombstone erected on the very site he had chosen for the old woman's burial.
  • A Culture Passed Down by the Ancients: Upholding Virtue and Having Selfless Compassion For Others in Need

    In ancient China there was a saying "Whether rich or poor, do not be moved by self interest or gain, nor yield to power and force." During the Southern Song Dynasty of ancient China, besides Wen Tianxiang, there was another man who was known to have the same courage and righteousness as Su Wu from the Han dynasty. His name was Hong Hao.
  • Stories from Ancient China: The Great General Yue Fei Was Frugal and Virtuous, Seeking No Honour or Glory

    Historical research indicates that General Yue Fei was both honest and frugal. He stayed away from frivolous music and women whilst turning a blind eye to fame and profit. His conduct deeply touched people's hearts and gained their admiration. Yue Fei once said, "If the government officials do not love money, and the military officers are not afraid of dying, then the country will be peaceful." Yue Fei was definitely someone who practised what he preached.
  • Painting: Paradise

  • Painting: Eight Drunken Deities

    The title of the painting is “The Eight Deities In a Drunken State”. Why are the eight Deities drunk? The inscription beside the title reads, “The longevity peaches of the Heavenly Empress ripe, she opens the door and throws her birthday party. Those deities are fond of good wine, and have fallen drunk next to the Yao Pond.”
  • Painting: Why?

    This painting is based on a true story. A mother and son were arrested in China simply because they choose to practise Falun Gong. Being beaten, the boy holds back his tears. All he can think of is 'Why? Why did the policemen beat me and my mum?'
  • Stories from Ancient China: Confucius on the Benefits of Studying

    Zilu said, "The bamboo grown in the southern mountains is straight as can be without any human intervention. If one makes arrows by cutting this type of bamboo into smaller pieces, the arrow can pierce the skin of a rhino. Why should one [with great inborn quality] need to study?" Confucius answered, "Isn't it true that the arrow can penetrate even deeper if one mounts feathers at the tail and sharpens its head?" Zilu bowed to show his respect and said, "I sincerely accept your teaching."
  • Stories from Ancient China: Xiang Xiong Stands Firm for What is Right

    Since they were already dead, the orders of your Majesty have been implemented. I buried them due to my moral sense. This shows the world that it is a principle that one has to repay generosity. Wouldn't such a principle make it easier to rule the country? Isn't it a good thing to do? Or would your Majesty like me to feel guilty about the dead and live mindlessly?" The emperor was pleased with what Zhong Hui said and so treated him with a banquet and then let him go.
  • Painting: Tao Qian

    Tao Qian, also called Tao Yuan Ming, is a great writer form the period of the Jin dynasty in ancient China, the earliest and most famous poet in China. It is not an exaggeration to say that all successful poets in different dynasties in China were all influenced by him. He was not after fame but was someone who loved nature and freedom, so much so that he gave up his position as a county mayor and went to live in the countryside.