The collection consists of three (3) paintings on thin paper collected by Claude Herman Barlow in Huzhou, China in 1909. The paintings depict mythological figures, including a dragon, a fish, and a man, and are signed by the artist, Xu Hui Qin. Each painting has been marked in pencil with an explanation in English of the figure.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Li Yeu tian long mun
The Chinese Carp
Sacred fish of the Buddhists which they (the people who buy it from the Buddhist priest) set free as an act of merit and then catch and sell again to others. It enables the person who lets it go to become a great scholar.
Local Numbers:
NAA INV 10000082
Variant Title:
Li Yeu tian long man
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Collection Citation:
MS 7422 Paintings of mythological figures, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution