I am glad to share yet another painting by well-known artist Chen Yanning (陈衍宁) in my art collection. Entitled Three Musketeer Sword-masters (风尘三侠), it features three famous legendary characters: (1) Zhang Chuchen (张出尘), more often referred to as the Swordswoman with a Red Horsetail Whisk (or Lady with Red Duster, 红拂女), (2) Li Jing (李靖), a very handsome scholar with martial solid art skill and knowledge of military strategy, and (3) Zhang Zhong Jian (张仲健), more often known as the Swordsman with Curly Beard, two horses, and a mule. The 3 Musketeers have been featured in Chinese literature and arts in many different forms: storybooks, stage dramas, operas, TV serial dramas, multiple movies, paintings, and sculptures.
At the end of the Shui Dynasty and the start of the Tang Dynasty, swordsman Li Jing arrived in the country capital, Changan (now Xian), and paid a visit to a high-ranking official, Yang Su (杨素), favoured by the Shui Dynasty Emperor. He wanted to contribute his exceptional fighting skill and military talent. There was a female attendant in red attire standing by the side of Yang Su. Due to his old age, Yang was no longer eager to do more in his official duty. Therefore, he was not interested in Li’s offer to work for him.
Disappointed, Li left. The maid-in-red sent someone to tail him to find out where he stayed. Late at night, she went to see Li. She was impressed by his good looks, knowledge, and noble ambition to contribute to the country and decided to accompany him and share his high aspiration.
Fearful of pursuit by her master, she persuaded Li to elope with her. Later, she became his wife. On their journey, they met a curly bearded swordsman who shared the same interest and ambition. As the bearded man had the same surname as the lady, they became sworn brother and sister. When they visited the future Founding Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shiming (李世明), they were impressed by his charisma, capability, and aspirations and vowed to assist him in becoming the Emperor of the new Tang Dynasty. They fought the army of the Shui Dynasty and chased away barbaric tribal kingdoms at the border grasslands to establish a strong and stable Tang Dynasty.
The Curly Beard Swordsman, who was from a very wealthy family, sold his property and gave half to his two companions. He decided to form his army and travelled out of China to the Northern territory of the Korean Peninsula to establish his kingdom.
The female character in the story always carried a red horsetail whisk (hence her the nickname ” Lady with a Red Duster.”) You must be curious about the function of the longtail duster! Its ordinary practical function is to gently sweep dust from delicate surfaces and chase flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. However, it is also used as a powerful weapon for self-defence.
In Daoist culture, the longtail duster is meant for sweeping away worldly desires and carnal thoughts, cleansing the heart, as well as chasing off evil spirits and devils. It symbolises nobility, purity and monastic life which are characteristics of immortals. This is the reason you always see Daoist priest carrying a longtail duster.
In imperial China, emperors were served by eunuchs. The high-ranking eunuchs who must stay close to the Emperor always carried a longtail duster to sweep away any dust where the Emperor decided to sit. He could be punished severely for disrespect should he forget to have the duster! The duster is also a symbol for the highest rank among the eunuchs.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
