The paintings present us with scenes illustrating eminent prose by Tao Yuanming, prominent literati in the Jin Dynasty.

The Tale of Taohuayuan records a story that took place during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Eastern Jin Dynas-ty. During the chaos of war, a fisherman of Wuling County, Hunan Province, ran into the origin of one river when out fishing. Astonished by the sight of blossoming peaches there, the fisherman moved toward the depth of the peach wood, where he found a cave with an opening just wide enough for the passage of one person.

Marching forward for a few meters, the fisherman caught sight of an amazing scene: on the flat land lovely hous-es were erected, surrounded by lush bamboo and extensive tracts of superior fields. Residents here, old and young, rejoiced in their life. They were astounded at the appearance of the fisherman, and vied to invite him to their homes. The fisherman learned that they had been there since the Qin Dynasty, when their ancestors came here to escape the wars. They had no knowledge of the Han Dynasty nor the Wei or Jin Dynasties. The fisher-man updated them regarding the present situation outside. He lived happily here for several days before returning home. A few days later, he gave an account of the strange occurrence to the local magistrate. The magistrate attempted to search for the beautiful place but in vain.

The story came to us from more than 1,000 years ago. The writer himself was noted as a recluse, unsatisfied by reality. People now often refer to an idyllic and perfect environment as Shi Wai Tao Yuan, which was the name for the valley.

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