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Creation of a Xieyi Picture: Draw a picture according to the principle of The Three Powers.

Ink painting of the Xieyi paintingXieyi painting has been created since ancient China as a symbolic form deeply connected to Taoist thought. Traditionally, symbols were integrated into fluid ink paintings and gently colored, forming smooth and continuous expressions. In modern times, Xieyi is often expressed as a visual art incorporating the influences of Feng Shui and symbolic forms.

The image on the left began as a monochrome ink painting(CG) , originally drawn as a symbolic mark. It was digitally refined using Photoshop, where I apply my own methods and effects to achieve a dreamlike and exceptionally smooth surface—smoothness being a crucial element.

In my creative process, compositions are first formed in ink. I interpret Tao codes from philosophical poetry, landscapes, and various natural and conceptual sources, translating them into symbolic forms. These are later developed into multicolored works. In ancient times, pigments were made by dissolving minerals in water; today, I continue this pursuit of refinement through digital processes.

I pursue the smoothness equivalent to ink painting while using various effects on the original ink painting. In the process, we will decipher the tao code more deeply and complete it as a Xieyi painting that incorporates talismanic symbols and feng shui.

Smoothness is essential in Xieyi painting, reflecting the Taoist principle of Wu-wei—acting in accordance with natural flow. This approach distinguishes my work from much contemporary art, presenting a symbolic expression of naturalness and effortless harmony through a unique method.

0｜🌿Principles

Heaven conceives,Earth nurtures,Humanity harmonizes.
In the Talisman lies the power of Heaven — the unseen order.In Feng Shui breathes the power of Earth — the grounding flow.Through the act of painting, Humanity unites them both,and sends their harmony into the visible world as Tai,the living balance of the Three Powers.

1｜🌿 Xieyi Painting and the Talisman

Xieyi,The first drawingXieyi,The first drawing
Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-2Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-2
Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-3Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-3
Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-4Xieyi,Drawing ink Painting-4
Xieyi,Completed the ink paintingXieyi,Completed the ink painting

I begin by reading the Tao Code hidden within the poems of The Rootless Tree.
Following this code, I draw the Talisman (Fu) with ink(CG), letting its strokes emerge in resonance with the Dao.
As the process deepens, the Talisman becomes fixed and complete—
this stage belongs to “Heaven (Tian)”, in the realm of the Three Powers (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity).

2｜🌏 Xieyi Painting and Feng Shui

Xieyi,Scan the ink paintingXieyi,Scan the ink painting
Xieyi・Differentiate into layers to get colorXieyi・Differentiate into layers to get color
Xieyi・Differentiate into layers to get color 2Xieyi・Differentiate into layers to get color 2
Xieyi・Differentiate into layers to get color 3Xieyi・Differentiate into layers to get color 3
Xieyi,Add colorXieyi,Add color

Guided by the Tao Code that gives rise to Tai Ji (the Great Ultimate) from Wu Ji (the Limitless),the image is divided into multiple layers.
Following the same code, I begin to paint anew—adding color, tone, and light through diverse effects,giving birth to the Feng Shui dimension of the work.This stage corresponds to “Earth (Di)”, in the realm of the Three Powers.

3｜✨ Completion of the Xieyi Painting

Completion of the Xieyi drawingCompletion of the Xieyi drawing
Xieyi,Canvas paintingXieyi,Canvas painting
Decorate the Xieyi,Living Room.Decorate the Xieyi,Living Room.
Decorate the Xieyi,CafeDecorate the Xieyi,Cafe
Decorate the Xieyi 3・BedroomDecorate the Xieyi 3・Bedroom

Through the Tao Code, the energies of Talisman (Fu) and Feng Shui are interwoven.
The completed work is printed with a high-precision UV ink printer onto specialized canvas,Xieyi Painting drawn in this way is,becoming a one-of-a-kind Xieyi painting on canvas—a manifestation where the energies of Heaven and Earth unfold within the human world.
The painting emanates Qi that expresses the Four Symbols and Eight Trigrams,a living harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity—the revelation of the Three Powers unified as one.

🌏 The Philosophy of the Three Powers — Heaven, Earth, and Humanity

In ancient Chinese cosmology, there exists the concept of the Three Powers — Heaven (Tian), Earth (Di), and Humanity (Ren).
Heaven gives origin to all things; Earth nurtures and sustains them; and Humanity, existing in the center, harmonizes these two great forces.
When a person attains unity with Heaven and Earth, that being becomes known as Tai (the Great One) — the embodiment of balance and total integration within the cosmos.
As written in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji: Fengshan Shu), “Heaven One, Earth One, and Tai One” represents the highest state of existence — the human who embodies all Three Powers.
In this philosophy, the Talisman (Fu) represents the power of Heaven: the unseen energy of creation and divine order.
Feng Shui, in turn, embodies the power of Earth: the nurturing flow and grounding balance of the material world.
To unite and realize these forces — to harmonize Heaven and Earth within conscious creation — is the power of Humanity.
Thus, Xieyi painting becomes the living expression of this triad.
Through the Talisman, it weaves the strength of Heaven.Through Feng Shui, it anchors the breath of Earth.And through the act of painting — the human hand in resonance with both — it manifests the harmony of Tai, sending the unified essence of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity into the visible world.

Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.

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