The painting is the famous masterpiece "Angler on a Wintry Lake" (寒江独钓图). Ma Yuan (c. 1160–1225) was a prominent court painter of the Southern Song Dynasty
Ma Yuan earned the nickname "One-Corner Ma" (Ma Yijiao) because he pioneered pushing the primary subjects (like the boat or trees) into a single corner or side of the canvas. The remaining space was left entirely blank or filled with subtle mist, creating a sense of infinite, poetic emptiness (liubai).
Laozi's The Empty Cup (无 - Wu - meaning None).
Laozi says "The Being (the material parts) bring the benefit, the Empty (the hub) brings the use".
Zhuangzi's parable of Mental Fasting show the practice in real life.
To avoid preconceived thoughts, make your mind empty beforehand. This illustrates Laozi's concept that the empty part represents the Capacity.
It can also apply to not fully filling up your schedule for the day. Don't let your life be a Time sheet. Fully occupied with no more room only makes your Boss happy?
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