The fish K’un transforming into a bird P’eng

taoist painting

The K’un fish transforming into a P’eng bird allegories the moment of transformation that Chuang Tzu transmits in his initial allegory of the Taoist book of Chuang Tzu. It is one of the most symbolic and powerful images of Taoism.

In the northern sea lives a fish. Her name is K’un. The K’un fish is huge; It measures I don’t know how many thousands of miles. This fish transforms into a bird and is called P’eng. Their backs measure I don’t know how many thousands of miles. Swift is his flight. His wings resemble clouds hanging from the sky. It usually migrates by sea to the southern ocean. The southern ocean is the great raft made by Heaven. Ch’i deals with these portentous things. He says so. The P’eng bird, to start its flight to the boreal seas, hits the water in an extension of 3,000 miles and traces its flight in circles. These form whirlwinds of wind that lift you up. Thus it rises to a height of 90,000 miles. His one-way trip lasts six months. There are saivajes ‘horses, dust storms and animals that mutually throw their breath. The sky is deep blue. Maybe that is its color; perhaps it is the effect of its endless depth. Similar is the show if you look down.

Chuang Tzu (Book of Chuang Tzu, first chapter)

Measurements: 100 x 79 cm

Ref: SO100971