The above painting “Herding” by the peasant artist Liu Zhigui expresses the way people are leading a simple and free life in harmony with nature. The herders are encircled by the serene cows, which seem to be enjoying the luxuriant grass and appreciating fresh air. The sunset dyes the water with red colors that are associated with vigorous life and bumper harvest. The painting well combines the traditional theme of simplicity and the modern spirit of freedom, hence possessing a high value for academic research and collections.
Ansai paintings, mainly created by female farmers after the completion of farm chores, have received raving reviews by people and are stamped as “the Ancient Picasso”.
（Source: chinaculture.org）
