• Year: 2023
• Medium: watercolor on paper

On many traditional ancestral altars in Southern Vietnam, there is often a painting that represents all the ancestors of the family. The artwork All Ancestors is inspired by this cultural tradition. The details in the painting express the respect and gratitude of descendants toward their ancestors, while also conveying wishes for the family’s continued prosperity and peace.

The three large Sino characters at the top of the painting, 思其親, mean “cherishing and remembering loved ones.” The red horizontal plaque displays the time the painting was created.

The characters on the pair of couplets on either side are:

九玄積徳年年盛
七祖修仁世世興

The pair of couplets signifies that, thanks to the virtue and goodwill of the ancestors, the lineage thrives and continues to grow stronger with each passing generation.

The two prominent red characters in the center of the painting, 福壽 (Fortune – Longevity), symbolize blessings and longevity for all family members. Within these characters are depictions of the Four Divine Beasts —Dragon (Long), Qilin (Lân), Turtle (Quy), and Phoenix (Phụng), as well as the fifth sacred creature, the fish, symbolizing the transformation of a fish into a dragon.

Surrounding the painting are vibrant details of lush, abundant fruits and flowers. At the bottom are a pair of vases that attract wealth and a bountiful fruit tray, symbolizing a flourishing family with many descendants.