Smile | Zhang Ruoxu (Tang) - Spring River, Flowers, and Moonlit Night | Traditional Hand-Painted Chinese Ink Figure Painting | 100x50cm

Smile | Zhang Ruoxu (Tang) - Spring River, Flowers, and Moonlit Night | Traditional Hand-Painted Chinese Ink Figure Painting | 100x50cm

Zhang Ruoxu (Tang) - Spring River, Flowers, and Moonlit Night

The spring river's tide joins the sea, and the bright moon rises with the tide. Following the waves for ten thousand li—where is there no moonlight on the spring river? The river winds around fragrant meadows; moonlight bathes the flowering woods like fine hail. In the air, flying frost is unseen; on the shoal, white sand cannot be discerned. River and sky are one color, without a speck of dust; in the bright sky, a single lonely moon wheel. Who by the river first saw the moon? When did the river's moon first shine on man? Generation after generation, life is endless; year after year, the moon looks the same. We know not whom the river moon awaits—we only see the Yangtze carrying away the waters. A single cloud drifts away; by the green maple bank, sorrow is boundless. Tonight, whose boat drifts? Where, in the moonlit tower, does longing dwell? The poor moon wanders above the tower, should shine on the lady's dressing mirror. Through the jade curtain, it cannot be rolled away; on the washing block, brushed off, it returns. At this hour, gazing at each other yet not hearing—may I follow the moonlight to shine upon you. Wild geese fly far, but light cannot cross; fish and dragons dive, rippling the water. Last night I dreamed of blossoms falling by the quiet pool—pity, half the spring is gone, no return home. The river carries spring away, nearly spent; the moon over the river pool sinks again to the west. The slanting moon sinks deep, hidden in sea mist; from Jieshi to Xiaoxiang, an infinite road. How many return home by moonlight? The setting moon stirs emotion, filling the river trees.

Li Zongyi's expressive ink figure painting captures the spirit of classical poetry through bold, spontaneous brushwork. The figures—whether drunkenly reciting, gazing into the distance, or lost in thought—are vividly rendered with dynamic lines and rich ink tones. The painting's generous empty space creates a profound, ethereal atmosphere, blending poetry and painting into a single artistic vision that embodies the depth of Chinese traditional culture and contemporary creative innovation.

Size: 100×50cm (approx. 4.5 square chi) | Traditional Hand-Painted Chinese Ink Figure Painting

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