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10m-long painting by octogenarian marks New Year

Editor: Li Xiang 丨CCTV.com

01-06-2017 14:21 BJT

By CCTV.com editor Li Xiang

Dong Yinlin, an 81-year-old Chinese folk artist in Northeast China’s Changchun city, Jilin province, has showcased a remarkable painting, “A Hundred Roosters Crow for Spring,” in his neighborhood. The painting took him four months to finish. With the Year of the Rooster approaching, this old, yet passionate painter feels this 10-meter-long traditional Chinese painting featuring 102 roosters is his unique way to celebrate. 

Dong Yinlin showcases “A Hundred Roosters Crow for Spring” in his neighborhood.

Dong Yinlin showcases the painting in his neighborhood

“According to Chinese mythology, rooster embodies five virtues: refinement, assertiveness, courage, benevolence, and reliability,” Dong said. 

Dong decided to draw 102 roosters in various postures instead of exactly 100 ones because he aims to reach “beyond excellence,” as 100 is an auspicious number symbolizing excellence or completeness in China.

A rooster drawn by Dong Yinlin

A rooster drawn by Dong Yinlin

Blooming peonies, azaleas, orchids and winter jasmines in the background add a delightful atmosphere to the painting. 

Dong finished the drawing in his bedroom, which also serves as his studio. He has been working on featuring Chinese Zodiac animals to mark the Lunar New Year for nine years, and he plans to continue. 

Dong Yinlin draws the painting in his bedroom

Dong Yinlin draws the painting in his bedroom

Dong says he has to conquer some difficulties painting each type of animal. “For example, the most difficult part to sketch a rooster is about its posture and tail,” Dong said. He added that it is important to study a rooster’s physical structure and disposition before putting the paintbrush to paper.                  

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