Professor CSA Print Yi Ming 144 Yi Ming

The circular composition presents a scene of pastoral tranquility, centered around two goats within a densely wooded environment. The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and olive green – creating a sense of agedness and natural harmony. A textured background, likely achieved through layered washes or dry brush techniques, suggests the depth and complexity of the forest.
Here we see two goats as the focal point; one appears to be playfully nudging the other, conveying a sense of lighthearted interaction and vitality. Their coloration – predominantly white with patches of black – contrasts subtly against the surrounding foliage, drawing immediate attention. The artist has rendered their forms with an economy of detail, emphasizing essential features rather than meticulous realism.
The tree dominating the right side of the composition is depicted with gnarled branches and a thick trunk, suggesting age and resilience. Its presence provides a visual anchor for the scene, while also contributing to the overall feeling of enclosure and seclusion within the forest. The foliage surrounding the goats appears lush but somewhat stylized, hinting at an idealized representation of nature rather than a strictly observational one.
Above the central action, a red seal is visible, likely bearing the artist’s signature or studio mark – a common feature in East Asian painting. Beneath the image, Chinese characters are inscribed, providing contextual information about the works title and possibly the artists name.
Subtly, the scene evokes themes of harmony between humans and nature, a recurring motif in traditional art. The goats’ playful interaction can be interpreted as symbolizing innocence, abundance, or even a gentle mockery of human concerns. The secluded forest setting suggests a retreat from societal pressures, offering a space for contemplation and connection with the natural world. The circular format itself reinforces this sense of wholeness and cyclical renewal.