Couplets _ The Mountaineer Guardian Deity Couplet Series

Hehe, Open Door · See Mountain, hehe While trying to merge the themes of mountains and the Lunar New Year, I thought, why not depict mountaineers as guardian deities? They can protect the home and also serve as diligent protectors of endangered species! The left mountaineer guards the Formosan ferret-badger (cute in appearance, but reportedly fierce when provoked); the right mountaineer guards the Formosan black bear (its adorableness needs no further explanation). A small highlight in the illustration is the Formosan sambar deer on the right, gazing towards the viewer from behind the mountaineer, with Mt. Nanhu in the background. Introducing the background mountains: (left) Central Mountain, (right) Mt. Nanhu. Both are two of the most profound peaks in my heart. (At the time, while climbing Mt. Nanhu and gazing at the neighboring Central Mountain, I was deeply moved by the grandeur of its sharp, soaring form.) The text imagines the feeling of peace one might experience if a mountain were right outside their door – a different kind of romance, perhaps, a desire to live as neighbors with the mountains? The calligraphy was meticulously chosen from the brushstrokes of an elder who has practiced calligraphy for decades. (I tirelessly requested brushstrokes that evoked mountains and nature, a great effort for the elder!) Paper: 105gsm "Postmodern," one of Japan's premium coated art papers. Couplet Size: 18cm * 28cm each. A set includes two designs. (The "Open Door" design and the "See Mountain" design.) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364664977_138a34f4b0_c_d.jpg