Minneapolis Institute of Art

Horse carrying the “River Diagram”

Gao Qipei

Date

1684

Medium

Ink and color on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This rare finger painting depicts the miraculous horse that rose from the Yellow River carrying the Hetu (River Diagram). According to legend, the cultural hero Fuxi received this divine pattern, and, inspired by its symbols, created the eight trigrams (bagua)—foundational markers of cosmic balance in Chinese philosophy. Gao Qipei’s innovative finger-painting technique enhances the horse’s vitality as it emerges from swirling waves. As part of an album celebrating mythic origins, this work reflects enduring beliefs in heaven-sent guidance and the horse as a powerful mediator between natural and cosmic realms. China, Asia

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