Kim Hoang Pig Painting

INFORMATION ABOUT THE KIM HOANG PIG PAINTING Material: Engraved lacquer - Size: 70 x 90 cm Adapted from Kim Hoang folk paintings When it comes to pig paintings, many people only remember the image of a herd of yin-yang pigs or a pig eating taro plants with yin-yang swirls in Dong Ho paintings. There is another very lovely pig painting belonging to the famous Kim Hoang folk painting style of the ancient Doai region. However, because the Kim Hoang painting style was lost since 1945 and has only recently been restored, few people pay attention to it. It is easy to see that the pig in the Kim Hoang painting is a single pig, meaning there is only one. This pig is also unique in its personification; its nose resembles a cloud in the ancient painting. The pig's ears are simply a spiral motif with parallel brushstrokes pointing backwards. The vertical brushstrokes along the pig's body not only give a sense of "sagging" due to the pig's plumpness but also add a rhythmic, pleasing effect to the eye. The four tiny legs supporting its round body add to the animal's adorable appearance, while also embodying the wish for completeness, prosperity, and growth for everyone in the new year. The contrasting three colors—white, red, and yellow—in the painting of the pig make it concise, condensed, and highly symbolic, while the soft, graceful brushstrokes show the creativity and free spirit of the ancient folk artists. Furthermore, in folklore, the pig symbolizes money and is a significant asset for the family; therefore, paintings of pigs have a very good feng shui effect in attracting wealth and fortune. Pigs also symbolize carefree living, ease, and the ability to resolve matters quickly and conveniently, thus increasing the chances of success.