Philosophy of Chinese Paintings

The basic philosophy behind the Chinese Water-ink paintings of Landscapes lies in the Ancient Chinese perceptions in the identities of humanities and the great natural envelopment. What the ancient Chinese believed and advocated were that human being came from the universe, therefore men should identify themselves with the great nature. What was know in Chinese saying was (Tien-Jen-Har-Yee, or 天人合一) meaning men and nature belong to one thing. Human affairs are not permanent, or great only, the nature is eternal. Men are small and short-duration. Therefore in Chinese Landscape paintings, men, or anything men-made, such as huts, boats, etc are always small, and simple and humble in comparison with its surroundings. No painters would exaggerate human being, and himself. The brush strokes to express the simple scenes should always remain simple. Simplicity is beauty.