Ascending Dragon
(Ref#: DSC03112)
2021
The dragon boat head is resting in an individual enclosure within the Fuk Tak Temple complex in Shau Kei Wan. Dragon boat heads are considered sacred and celestial beings hence the ceremony around the dotting of the eyes preceding Dragon Boat race day, also leading to this example being dutifully cared for during its pass from this plain to the next.
The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival can be found in several stories. The most famous are about Qu Yuan, China’s first patriotic writer and Wu Zixu, a once-loyal advisor to the King Fuchai.
Qu Yuan was a Minister in one of the Warring State governments, Chu. He was slandered by jealous government officials and banished by the King.
Out of disappointment in the Chu Monarch, he drowned himself into the Miluo River. He was very popular with the common people, who rushed to the water and tried to recover his body. They also scattered rice into the water to feed the fish, to prevent them from eating Qu Yuan's body, which is one of the origins of Zongzi, the traditional rice dish eaten to this day to remember him.
In commemoration of Qu Yuan, people hold dragon boat races yearly on the day of his death. Before Qu Yuan waded in the Miluo River and drowned himself, he wrote a famous lyrical poem 离骚 Li Sao (“Sorrow in Estrangement”).
(The poem inscribed by local artist Grand Master Tso.)
Cassia and pepper of the mountain-side , with melilotus white in clusters vied.
杂申椒与菌桂兮,岂维纫夫蕙芷!
The way was long, and wrapped in gloom did seem, as I urged on to seek my vanished dream.
路漫漫其修远兮,吾将上下而求索。
Long did I sigh and wipe away my tears, to see my people bowed by griefs and fears.
长太息以掩涕兮,哀民生之多艰。
But since my heart did love such purity, I’d not regret a thousand deaths to die.
亦余心之所善兮,虽九死其犹未悔。
Without delay the sun and moon sped fast, in swift succession spring and autumn passed;
日月忽其不淹兮,春与秋其代序。
Media: The output is on American product ChromoLuxe metal sheet, lightweight, scratch, fire resistant & water proof.
Installed is a dimmable LED lighting system backlighting the piece which is operated with a remote control.
Each piece comes with “certificate of authenticity” also on metal signed and numbered carrying an image of the piece
Category
Photograph / Caligraphy
Current Location
Hong Kong
Represented by
Size
61cm (W) x 102cm (H)
Condition Report
Mint chromoluxe output with overlaid hand painted calligraphy in gold ink.
Selling Price
US$3,695
Total Reprints (All Editions)
5
Exhibition History
Provenance
View CertificateInquire by Email
Condition Report Definition Key
Area
Image:
The central image area, composition, or focal point; the area inside the margins/plate marks.
Margin:
Areas bordering the central image, outside the plate marks, or the perimeter area.
Edge:
The farthest edge of the object.
Verso:
The reverse/back of the object.
Degree
Minor:
An existing condition which generally does not involve risk of loss.
Moderate:
Noticeable damage, increasing in severity and/or size; should be monitored or corrected by a conservator.
Major:
Distinct, recognizable damage; the stability of the work is questionable and risk is a factor. Requires the attention of a conservator.
Extreme:
Advanced and severe damage; work is insecure and at great risk.
Reprint Editions
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