Image Details

Courtesy of Dr. He Qi (www.heqiarts.com)

“My lover is like a gazelle,” the woman sings. “He feeds among the lotuses. Until the day breezes gently along, and the shadows flee.” A gazelle, a white crane, a mountain goat, the new moon in the old moon’s arms, a tent and an exotic blue-and-white tree surround the couple in this shadowy mountainscape, painted by contemporary Chinese artist He Qi.

Like a gazelle, the male lover may come and go. These separations not only increase the desire of the couple; they also reinforce their commitment to one another—as they always return to one another.