Please enjoy my painting inspired by the poem “Blossoms of Dalin Temple in the Mountain” by a famous ancient Chinese poet and government official from the Tang Dynasty, Bai Juyi 白居易 (772 – 856 AD). The following is a translation and content of the poem:
“In April, while all the other flowers fallen on the ground have withered and gone, the peach blossoms at the ancient Dalin temple in the mountains are now just in full bloom!
I often feel sorry that spring is gone and nowhere to be found. I do not realise that it has reappeared here in the mountain.”
Bai Juyi 白居易 (772 – 856 AD)In my painting, a Pagoda and several buildings with traditional roof structures (Dalin Temple and Monastery) are placed high up in the mountain. A steep flight of stone steps between two mountain cliffs can be seen leading to the temple buildings. Many peach blossom trees are seen scattered over large parts of the mountain. Several tiers of waterfalls end up at the bottom of the fast-flowing stream. Two adults in blue and two children in red garments cross wooden bridges where water from the waterfalls tumbles down over large rocks into the rapidly flowing stream.
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.
