On Composition Study: Zhang Lu - Laozi Riding an Ox

A composition exegesis proposal based on Chinese language, allowed by a broadness of interpretation rooted in the simplicity of the notions involved.

For the context, Laozi (6th to 4th BC) is a key figure of Chinese’s Taoism, considered as the author of a central book on the matter, the Tao Te Ching, “道德經”.

As we’ve already shown, 子 is often used as a respectful epithet: Confucius (孔夫子), Laozi (老子), Mencius (孟子), Xunzi (荀子), Jūn zǐ (君子), Tiān zǐ (天子), etc.

That painting depicts Laozi, a prominent figure (老), yet, through his arched back, his mount, and his occupation, humble (small within, 子).

He’s shown looking at a bird (a small thing, 子) in the sky (老: Chinese language’s word for sky, 天, as Western’s languages, embeds the same duality, ordinary sky/Heaven).

Note also that to the ox, of an average weight of nearly ten times that of a human, Laozi is the venerable (老) small thing (子) placed above to be looked at.

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