Painting of a buffalo herder with a foul-smelling flute.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PAINTING OF A BOAT HUNTER PLAYING A FLUTE Material: Engraved lacquer - Size: 50 x 60 cm Adapted from a Dong Ho folk painting The meaning of the Dong Ho painting of a boy herding a buffalo and playing a flute expresses the wish for "favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious human relations" to ensure bountiful harvests, as Vietnam is closely associated with rice cultivation. The image of the boy sitting on the buffalo's back, surrounded by grass, trees, and the vast sky, represents the aspiration to harmonize with nature for favorable conditions for crop growth and abundant harvests. According to Eastern culture, the buffalo is associated with diligence, hard work, and perseverance. The buffalo symbolizes honesty and kindness, but even the way its head is held—raised or lowered—carves different meanings. A buffalo raised in the air represents a calm and stable spirit, not wanting to compete or struggle, but still possessing the will to strive and rely on its own abilities to achieve its goals. A buffalo bowing its head signifies humility, representing harmony, patience, and a touch of meekness. A bowing buffalo is believed to invite good fortune, enhance auspiciousness, expand relationships, and create opportunities for oneself. In feng shui, a buffalo is considered an indispensable treasure for those working in banking, investment, real estate, and finance.