Tsai Chien l. Toatta 1802

作品賞析

The work Tsai Chien l. Toatta 1802 belongs to artist Deng Wen-Jen’s “Kinmen” series, which centers on historical figures. Artist Deng Wen-Jen, a map enthusiast, draws inspiration from maps. With indigo dyeing and embroidery, she re-envisioned the renowned Qing dynasty pirate Cai Qian (Tsai Chien) and the various legends associated with him. In the center of the painting, two young men, depicted in black, push a cannon across Kinmen Island. This represents the official historical account of Cai Qian’s theft of the cannon. Meanwhile, atop a warship, the pink pirate standing with two swords presents the image of his wife, as described in the unofficial accounts. Cai Qian was once a renowned figure across the Taiwan Strait, his sphere of influence reaching as far as the Tamsui area of Taiwan. Although he once declared himself king, his brief reign is relatively unknown. Deng Wen-Jen blends official history, oral traditions, and unofficial legends to fill in the gaps left by history, revealing forgotten stories through the lens of land and sea.