NationStates Jolt Archive


Chinese Fable - the artist

Wolfish
03-03-2005, 17:32
I'm looking for a fable - which I believe is Chinese - about an artist commissioned to paint a picture of a bird for the Emperor.

The story goes that many years pass, and the Emperor, growing impatient, visits the artist's home to find out why he hasn't received his painting.

When he arrives, he finds the studio filled with pictures of feathers - beaks - legs - eyes - etc....but no painting of the whole bird.

The moral is that you get the whole right - one must focus on the details.

Does anyone know if this is Chinese - or knows of a link that I can follow?

Cheers,
W.
Wolfish
03-03-2005, 20:12
No one?