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We do not deal in reproductions or sell prints. Every piece in our collection is hand-painted by the artist and is one-of-a-kind.
The Unknowable Joy of Fishes
One red, one black, creating a striking contrast in color. The red fish is vivid and eye-catching, like cinnabar highlighting the eyes, symbolizing the fiery passion and exuberance of life;
Size: 65cm×33cm | 25.59x12.99inches
Material: Ink, watercolour, rice paper, backingpaper.
Category:
Small-scale Fan Paintings
Analysis of the Painting
This small fan painting uses minimalist elements to construct a profound, literati-inspired view of nature, whose symbolism unfolds in three progressive layers:
First Layer: The Delight of Form—A Microcosm of the Water World’s Vitality
The composition captures a poetic snapshot of a corner of a summer lotus pond:
Goldfish: One red, one black, creating a striking contrast in color. The red fish is vivid and eye-catching, like cinnabar highlighting the eyes, symbolizing the fiery passion and exuberance of life; the black fish, with its harmonious interplay of light and dark, resembles mist taking shape, symbolizing the quiet depth and subtlety of life. The two complement each other, embodying the beauty of the harmony between yin and yang.
Ink-wash lotus stems: rendered with calligraphic brushstrokes, they are sparse and ethereal. They serve both as a depiction of reality and as reflections in the water or visions of the mind, creating a spiritual realm for the swimming fish where the tangible and the intangible intertwine.
Fan format: The circular composition acts as a window into the aquatic world, endowing the painting with a focused dramatic quality and a sense of self-contained perfection.
Second Layer: The Eye of the Inscription—The Contemplative Philosophy Behind “Fish Joy”
The inscription “Fish Joy” is the soul of the entire painting, directly referencing the classic proposition from the Chinese classic *庄子·秋水*:
子非鱼，安知鱼之乐?
子非我，安知我不知鱼之乐?
Materials and medium
Ink, watercolour, rice paper, backingpaper.
Local sales tax and import duties
Local sales tax and import charges and duties are your responsibility. Puyuan Art has no authority (or magic wand) to make them disappear.
Returns, Refunds & Exchanges
14-day from the date of receipt.
Please see our Returns, Refunds & Exchanges Policy for more detail.
Shipping
Standard Registered Mail (Traceable):
10–25 business days (typically faster for Japan, South Korea, and Singapore; may be slower for the EU and remote areas, depending on the country and customs clearance)
Express Delivery (DHL/UPS/FedEx):
Estimated 3–7 business days
Please see our shipping policy for more details.
A PROMISE TO COLLECTORS
Hand-Painted Originals: Each piece is an original work hand-painted by the artist and is one-of-a-kind.
Signature/Seal + Certificate of Authenticity Number: Clear and traceable artwork information (dimensions/medium/year/serial number)
Customizable: Typically ready in about 15 days (excluding international shipping time)
Framing and Delivery: Available framed or unframed; we provide framing recommendations and secure packaging solutions for international shipping to ensure the artwork is ready for display. Specific details can be discussed further based on the client’s needs.
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Why Choose Us
We invite you to discover the fresh perspective of contemporary Chinese ink art through our curated selection, and find that piece that resonates with your soul—a work of art worthy of cherishing for a lifetime.
Curated Selection
Our team possesses professional artistic discernment and maintains close collaborations with numerous renowned contemporary painters across China, ensuring each piece embodies unique artistic expression and collectible value.
Academic Insight
We prioritize artists' scholarly backgrounds and theoretical innovation, ensuring promoted works possess not only visual appeal but also intellectual depth and art-historical significance.
Compliance & Security
We specialize in Chinese cultural painting export regulations and customs clearance procedures, providing fully compliant, seamless international transaction and shipping services that eliminate all concerns for cross-border art acquisitions.
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