Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Yellow Dragon Pool in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Yellow Dragon Pool stamp issued July 20, 1981.

Situated amid the serenity of soaring mountain peaks and fresh-scented pine forests is a testament to China's longstanding fascination with the mythical dragon: Yellow Dragon Pool. Known as lung, Chinese dragons, the gods of rain and water, also symbolized the power of the Emperor himself, the Son of Heaven. Dragons were often thought to serve as custodians of imperial treasures, as evidenced by the magnifient Nine-Dragon Wall guarding the royal Forbidden City in Peking. The Emperor T'ang, who ruled in 766 B.C., made a pottery figure of a dragon so that the clouds would come to his dry land. Thus, the Chinese saying "Earthen dragons cause the rain to come." The Duke of Cheh in the land of Chu apparently liked dragons since he had them painted on all his walls and trays. Tzu-kao, too, exclaimed how much he liked dragons and had them painted all over his house. When a dragon came to pay him a friendly visit, Tzu-kao was so frightened he is said to have tripped over the dragon's tail while trying to run away from it. The dragon did him no harm, however, and the following summer was unusually wet. When good emperors ruled, natural forces were thought to be in harmony with the Empire and thus, the rain fell at the right times and places. The Yellow Dragon Pool of the Lushan Mountains stands as a silent reminder of the Chinese fascination with this beautiful creature of myth and legend.

Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in.
Overall Size: 19.75 x 19 in.
Unframed.
(B06601)

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