Lao-tzu Riding a Blue Ox
Anonymous, Sung Dynasty (960-1279)
Hanging scroll, silk tapestry, 108 x 51.7 cm
Tapestry, also known as k'o-ssu ("cut silk") in Chinese, is a refined and artistic form of traditional craftwork in China.
In this hanging scroll is Lao-tzu, originally
named Li Erh and style named Tan. He was
from the state of Ch'u in the Spring and
Autumn period during the 6th century BC.
In Taoism, he is considered an incarnation
of the "Senior Lord of the Supreme". It
is said that when Lao-tzu went through Han
Valley Pass, the official Pass Commissioner
Yin Hsi felt the presence of a purple mist
suddenly appearing in the air. He surmised
that a great sage was passing through the
area. Not long thereafter appeared Lao-tzu
riding on his blue ox emanating from the
east. Yin Hsi implored Lao-tzu to write
down a book for later generations. Lao-tzu
consented and left behind at Han Valley
Pass the famous Tao-te-ching in 5,000 characters.
After finishing it, he got on his ox and
rode off to the west, never to be heard
from again.
In Journey to the West, the Senior
Lord used the Eight Trigrams Furnace to sear
the Monkey King for 49 days and ordered celestial
attendants to be at his side to add wood to
the fire. It was hoped to refine an elixir,
but it unexpectedly assisted the Monkey King
in refining his own insight instead. Flaming
Fire Mountain is this furnace that fell to
and formed in the mortal world after the Monkey
King knocked it over. In chapter 52, Blue
Ox stole the Senior Lord's treasured ring to the mortal world and caused havoc
there. The heavenly generals were helpless,
but finally, with a hint from the Tathagata
Buddha, they asked the Senior Lord to come
and subdue it. |
 |
