Horse carrying the “River Diagram”

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record

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