This extraordinary handmade embroidery painting, crafted by the renowned Defung company, vividly captures the ancient Chinese practice of cormorant fishing, which has thrived since the Tang Dynasty (618 AD). The scene features a fisherman expertly navigating his "yúlóu" under a brick pagoda, with trained cormorants poised to dive and retrieve fish—a method that historically earned fishermen significantly more than university professors, whose weekly pay was £7, compared to the substantial earnings from just one cormorant.
The painting showcases the serene beauty of a tranquil lake, bordered by a lush garden, blending natural and architectural splendor. The intricate silk embroidery and vibrant depiction of the fisherman and his cormorants highlight the profound craftsmanship and cultural heritage of China, making this vintage masterpiece a valuable and illustrious collectible. This exquisite artwork not only embodies the rich historical narrative and artisanal expertise of its creators but also serves as a testament to the enduring tradition and economic significance of cormorant fishing in Chinese history.
