Tani Buncho, Tao Yuan Ming Sitting Under a Willow Tree, 1812, ink on paper, 38 1/2 × 13 5/8 inches

Tao Yuan Ming sitting under a willow is a painting by Tani Buncho. Tao Yuan Ming was a Chinese poet and politician. He had a nickname called Mr.Five Willows for he planted five willows in front of his house. He was disgusted at the corruption and the infighting of the Jin court, so he resigned his post. As he put it, he would not swallow one's pride in exchange for a meager existence. Tao Yuanming spent much of his life in reclusion, living in the countryside, farming, reading, drinking wine, receiving the occasional guest, and writing poems in which he often reflected on the pleasures and difficulties of life, as well as his decision to withdraw from politics. As chill as in the painting, he’s daily life included watching cherry blossom, willows swinging in the wind, gazed leisurely at distant mountains, and returned home with a flock of birds. He could find insights and wisdom in every little thing. Tani Buncho definitely admired his direct and simple lifestyle, and his courage to stay true to himself and not just drift along with people and things he didn’t appreciated.