Legendary: Horses and Classical Chinese Literature
Legendary: Horses and Classical Chinese Literature is an exhibition inspired by Chinese culture and literature highlighting essential works from the East Asian Library’s Collection.
The depictions of horses convey well-known Chinese idioms and embody the characteristics and spirit of the horse as an important symbol in Chinese arts. The four great novels are among the world’s longest and oldest books and have permeated Chinese culture throughout their existence.
These legendary works – from the adventures of the magical Monkey King to the heroic episodes of 108 outlaws, who abide by Buddhist, Taoist, and traditional Chinese moral philosophies – offer us insight into understanding the traditional Chinese ways of thought.
This exhibition was made possible by distinguished Alumni Cho Yee To 杜祖貽 and the horse painting he donated. Chinese Studies and East Asian Studies Librarian Joan Wang organized this exhibition for Washington University Libraries.
Header image: Li Yuexi 李月溪(1881-1946), Telebiao 特勒驃, Stone relief rubbing taken from the Six Horses of Zhao Mausoleum 昭陵六骏