World of Pots: Life of the Song people 4

As one continued his journey into the inner city, busy street scene came to life. We have seen the mutton soup shop earlier. Here an advert was put up to tell people that the proprietor was honest to provide value for money dishes. This particular dish is still served today in major cities in China. This is what we call Steam Boat in some restaurants where all sorts of meat (in this case, mutton), vegetable, toufu, spices, etc., are put in a pot to boil. You just dip your chop sticks into the pot to dish out whatever you want to eat. Most families here celebrate the lunar new year by having Steam Boats for their reunion dinner.

There were many street peddlers in the city area.

Again everyone was busy doing his own thing for the sake of survival.

Notice what the people wore during that time. It was all long gown.

Somewhere in this busy city, a stranger was lost. He had come from afar looking for a job or may be settling down for a new life. The city was big and this poor chap did not know where he was going. He probably came from the country side and was overwhelmed by what he saw in the city.

This person seen riding a horse appeared to be a foreigner. From his outfit, he seemed to be a Korean coming to the city for some reason. He could also be diplomat living in the city.

Here one can see that there were 4 wells used to supply water to the people living in the city. The artist fid not forget the source of water which was important to city dwellers.

This was probably the clinic in the city where people came to consult doctors for treatment of illness.

If you recall, traders coming to the city to do business. This was how the artist started painting his work.

Simple country life (beginning of painting)

Some one asking his way around in the city (ending part)

It was interesting to note that the artist painted this stranger asking his way in the city. The artist had clearly demonstrated his skills in composing this painting by showing the complexity of city (a stranger was lost in the city) against the simplicity of country life shown in the beginning of the painting.

This painting is indeed a masterpiece in itself. Well, words can't describe everything the artist painted in the painting. If you want to view the painting in its entirety, you can visit the site below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Along_the_River_During_the_Qingming_Festival