Fishing

original: "捕魚" (bǔ yú). The term refers generally to the capture of aquatic life, whether for subsistence or trade.

This expansive two-page illustration provides a vivid record of traditional fishing practices, likely from an ethnographic album depicting local customs. In the context of a society primarily organized around the seasonal cycles of agriculture, these scenes highlight the diverse skills required to master the natural environment of the river.

Skills of the Bank and Stream

The artist captures a variety of specialized techniques being performed simultaneously along a rocky shoreline. On the left bank, the focus is on precision and individual skill:

• The Archer: A man is poised with a bow and arrow, a method of bow fishinga technique where arrows—often tethered to the archer—are used to strike fish near the surface. This requires exceptional patience and an understanding of how light refracts in the water.
• The Spearman: Standing beside the archer, a companion stands ready with a long spear, a versatile tool used for striking fish in the shadows of the rocks or in the shallows.

In the center of the river, the method shifts to a more immersive and physical approach:

• Wicker Basket Traps: Two men wade deep into the water, utilizing large, hand-woven wicker trapsconical or bell-shaped baskets designed to be plunged over fish to trap them against the riverbed or used in currents to funnel the catch into an enclosure.
• The Landscape: The scene is framed by tall trees and clumps of reeds, rendered with fine line work that emphasizes the close relationship between the laborers and the ecosystem they inhabit.

The subtle coloring and artistic detail suggest this was part of a "genre" painting series, intended to document the diverse occupations and ingenious tools of the common people for the benefit of a high-ranking official or collector.