Learn about Chinese Brush Painting
We invite you to join Lakeway resident Gail Threinen, as part of the “Women In Art” exhibit, as she demonstrates Chinese Brush Painting of the peony, the favorite flower of the only woman Empress of China, Wu Zetian (624-705) of the Tang Dynasty. Gail’s demonstration will take place on Saturday March 11th at 1:30pm at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, TX). Be sure not to miss the beginning of Gail’s demonstration because she will share a fascinating story about something that Empress Wu did to prove she had the mandate of heaven allowing her to rule the country.
Peonies are one of the favorite flowers in China. The peony has been known as the “king of flowers” ever since Tang Dynasty and it stands for compassion, wealth and elegance. The peony has an even more symbolic meaning in folk legend. It is the flower of love; also it has inspired countless poems and paintings. The Tang Dynasty aestheticism was one of abundance and lush beauty. The broad, glamorous petals and the pungent fragrance of the peony made it a natural choice as the “king”. Learn more about how to paint this captivating flower at the event.
Peonies in Chinese Folk Tales
Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty was a great fan of the peony which his concubine Yang Guifei would wear in her hair to get his attention. This caused bees to buzz all around her and Emperor Xuanzong was very taken with the sight. So much so, that he sent his people to bring the poet Li Bai, who was drunk in a tavern at the time, to the palace and immediately compose poetry about her. Li Bai lifted his pen and wrote three poems about flowers and beautiful women. The peony was a symbol of the wealth and prosperity for the Tang Dynasty. It also represented power and desire.
As another story goes, the Tang Dynasty Empress Wu Zetian, ordered a hundred flowers to be forced opened during the winter but the peony was the only flower that would not bloom. The Empress was enraged and banished the peony from the capital city of Chang’an (today’s Xi’an) to the city of Luoyang. Once the peonies reached Luoyang they bloomed beautifully. The Empress then ordered all the peonies to be burnt, but even though they were all burnt, they grew right back the next year. Since then, the plant flourished in Luoyang, which is known as the “city of peonies”. The best time to visit it is in late spring (April) when the peonies are in full bloom.
This event is a part of a month long celebration of Women’s History Month at the Lake Travis Community Library and Lakeway Arts District. For more info, see the event schedule.
About the artist Gail Threinen:
