So, while reading this chapter I came across the name Gu Kaizhi.  Kaizhi is regarded as one of the most famous and influential painters of the era and it drove me to look a bit further into his story.  I came across a quote that really stuck with me, and that is saying a lot for someone who is NOT an art historian by any means.  The quote is as follows: "In figure paintings the clothes and the appearances are not very important. The eyes are the spirit and the decisive factor." My questions for you then are this; First, what does this mean to you in this present day?  Next, consider what this may have meant to a peasant or a person on a lower rung in society (did it give them hope or could it do the opposite)?  Finally, how may someone who is already wealthy, or a ruler interpret Kaizhi's quote? I would like a paragraph or two and try and use examples where you can.  I do not mind if they are not from Ancient China specifically because I think a question like this would present itself in the same light whether in China, Medieval times, and even present day.

So, while reading this chapter I came across the name Gu Kaizhi.  Kaizhi is regarded as one of the most famous and influential painters of the era and it drove me to look a bit further into his story.  I came across a quote that really stuck with me, and that is saying a lot for someone who is NOT an art historian by any means.  The quote is as follows:

"In figure paintings the clothes and the appearances are not very important. The eyes are the spirit and the decisive factor."

My questions for you then are this; First, what does this mean to you in this present day?  Next, consider what this may have meant to a peasant or a person on a lower rung in society (did it give them hope or could it do the opposite)?  Finally, how may someone who is already wealthy, or a ruler interpret Kaizhi's quote?

I would like a paragraph or two and try and use examples where you can.  I do not mind if they are not from Ancient China specifically because I think a question like this would present itself in the same light whether in China, Medieval times, and even present day.