Flute-Playing Herdsman Under Banyan Tree
Landscape Painting

Pastoral Fun

Mù Qù

This evocative landscape painting shows a lone herdsman riding an ox through a tranquil countryside, gently playing a flute under the shade of a venerable banyan tree while a soft, fading sun peeks through the leaves overhead. The elegant blend of natural tones and warm light conveys quiet harmony between man, animal, and nature — reflecting a timeless rural scene full of calm and pastoral charm. The old tree’s protective canopy and the rustic path beneath suggest a life rooted in tradition and gentle rhythms, making this work ideal for lovers of Asian-inspired landscapes and serene, story-filled wall art.

In traditional Chinese art, the ox often symbolizes diligence, humility, and a close bond with rural life. At the same time, the image of a flute-playing herdsman under a tree evokes meditative peace, harmonious living, and a poetic relationship with nature.

Perfect for collectors of Asian-inspired decor or those who appreciate classic-style landscape art, this painting brings rustic charm, cultural depth, and meditative calm to any space.

The artist's title for this piece is 牧趣 (mù qù), which means "Pastoral Fun".

The artist's name is 明辉 (Míng Huī).

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This work was done in Chengdu by Huang Xin'an (Pronounced a little bit like "who-ong shin un") from the Sichuan (Szechwan) Province of China.

After I bought this work in Chengdu, I later returned to Beijing and had it mounted with a traditional silk brocade border in our workshop. This makes a nice, ready-to-frame piece of wonderful hand-painted art.

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The story behind how I found this art...

I lost track of Huang Xin'an after my last trip to Chengdu. His phone number was out of order, and I was disappointed that I could not contact him to get more of his paintings.

I make the decision to go to Chengdu on my new art-buying trip mostly because of him.

After 15 hours on a slow train, I arrive in Chengdu. I check-in at Sam's Guesthouse (a hangout for backpackers from around the world, and a hostel with reasonably-priced beds). After a much-needed shower, I head out to find Huang Xin'an.

Taxis drive at the speed-of-light in Chengdu (the city boasts over 1000 fatal auto accidents per year), I arrive in no-time at the place I last found Mr. Huang. Sure enough, as I walk down the alley toward his gallery, he sees me and runs out to greet me. I'm really happy to see him, and the feeling is mutual.

I tell him how I came to Chengdu just to buy art from him (after not being able to reach him on the phone). He is so honored that I think he wants to hug me. He offers me a chair, and says he's painted a lot of work over that last 9 months with both me and my customers in mind. I was also honored by this gesture. He shows me a lot of new work in styles that I like.

I spend 2 days with Mr. Huang and we talk about a lot of new ideas and artwork that I think my western customers will like. He offers to close his gallery for a few days, and paint the art that I asked for. So I took a few days to meet and visit other artists in Chengdu. When I return to Mr. Huang's gallery, I am not disappointed. He did such a great job, words can't describe.