TAIPEI (TVBS News) — People have long been fascinated with their animal companions, often forming unspoken bonds with them that rival their human relationships. Be they farm animals or wild creatures, they have served as inspirations for art and literature throughout time up to today. During the Lunar New Year, take a peek at works of art featuring animals across Chinese history at the Taipei branch of the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).
The exhibit, "In the Company of Animals," runs from Jan. 17 to April 6 at Exhibition Hall 1. It will display paintings depicting animals as reflections of people's identities and hopes, from the majestic horses symbolizing the wealth and dignity of noblemen to the weary donkeys travelling with scholars.
A herdboy lies across the back of a mother cow in "Oxen" in a painting by Li Tang (李唐) in the Song Dynasty, a piece certified as an Important Historical Work. This example of Southern Song genre art illustrates the boy's playful demeanor as he shows off his status as "mother's favorite" to the cow's calf.
Certified National Treasure, "Eight Princes on a Spring Excursion" is a painting by Zhao Yan (趙巖) of the Five Dynasties period depicting noblemen riding through an imperial garden and, in doing so, revealing the connection between the men and their steeds.
With the Year of the Horse upon us, it is fitting that the exhibition presents works of horses, such as "Training the Horse" by Zhao Mengfu (趙孟頫) of the Yuan Dynasty, which depicts a man and his horse braving the wind together. Other animal-themed exhibits are planned in the coming months.