Èr hào mén. Door Number Two

门 Mén. Sān lián huà.  Door. Triptych.

3 views of 3 doors in 3 positions in the Forbidden City on 3rd January. The Mén san lian hua – Door triptych – explores the deep duality and symbolism of both the number three and the door in Chinese culture, traditionally representative of transition, protection and the boundary between realms of existence.

In the private quarters of the imperial family in the Inner Palace of the Forbidden City a door lies ajar in the shadows, whilst an ancient tree is bathed in sunlight. The door, the shadows and the number two reflect the dual nature of life, and its ambiguity:  the door may be opening or closing, the sun rising or setting, captured at the point of transition.

 2025. Pen. Ink. Watercolour. On paper. 29 x 20 cm