Goal and Target
The exhibit displays a series of color paintings that depict traditional examples, often paradoxical to our eyes, of the absolute devotion that must be reserved for parents.
This devotion is the common principle and basis of the two great philosophical currents that animated Chinese religious thought: Confucianism and Taoism.
Both originate from the ancient, and ever-present, ancestor cult.
Amid thunders,
he cries over his Mother's grave
Wang Pou from Wei State looked after her mother with genuine dedication. While alive, his mom was terribly afraid of thunders. After her death, whenever Pou felt a storm approaching, he would run to her mother's grave and, crying, he would say "Pou is here, mom, don't be afraid of her." A poem celebrates him thus: "The beloved mother was afraid of thunder; now that her body rests among the dead, and Anxiang noisily runs up and down, the boy runs to the grave and walks it thousands of times."
Confucianism and Taoism
Confucianism and Taoism are ancient Chinese lifestyles founded respectively by Kung Fuzi (551 BC -479 ° .C.) and by Laozi (who lived in the 6th century BC) therefore practically contemporary, but structured in later periods, especially for Taoism which was institutionalized only in the first century after Christ.
The difference between these two philosophies is based on their teachings, where Taoism is almost exclusively about the relationship between man and nature, and Confucianism is more about the relationship between man and society.
Humanity
The core of Confucianism is humanity, morality and ethics. The main focus is on the basic relationship between human beings and society. It encourages social harmony and mutual respect between people.
The Person
Taoism has a direct focus on the person and his place in nature. However, he has a more liberal and direct perspective on life. It focuses on a person's relationship with himself to achieve inner harmony. It encourages an individual to understand and accept the natural and social values of the world, and in this way allows one to be in tune with one's inner self.
Li Tieguai and the Eight Immortals
Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, holding the container of his magical medicine and staff. China white porcelain. Qing Dynasty period, Daoguang Emperor (1821-1850).
Often described as short-tempered and irritable, but also generous to the poor, the sick and the needy, whose suffering is alleviated by a special medicine extracted from his gourd. It symbolizes medicine and the image of him was used as an emblem of Chinese pharmacies.
He was summoned by Laozi to the mountains of Longevity to meet the other Immortals. He has the appearance of a ragged and lame beggar holding a pilgrim's flask containing his magical medicines and, in the other, an iron staff he leans on.
