Painter of UNESCO World Heritage Site: ‘The finest of the world’s glory’

Chih Yiyi, the current E-Ma painter of the Nikko Shrines and Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage in Japan. (Zhang Benzhen/The Epoch Times)

TOKYO, Japan—Japan was the second country on Divine Performing Arts (DPA) International Company’s Asian tour. The Japanese were enjoying their Constitution Day holiday on Feb. 11, 2009, when the DPA performed its first show in Japan at the Hitomi Memorial Auditorium of the Shouwa Female University in Tokyo where the audience filled the theater.

Among the audience was Chih Yiyi, the current E-Ma painter of the Nikko Shrines and Temples, of the UNESCO World Heritage in Japan. Commenting on the show, she said: “I’m deeply touched. I think it’s not merely a stage performance, but a concentration of all Chinese culture and history. I can see that they have demonstrated what is the most essential and what is the finest of the soul. They are delivering this beautiful message to so many people and this is marvelous.”

Ms. Chih is the first non-Japanese to become the E-Ma painter at the Nikko Shrines and Temples. She was born in Taiwan and was asked to be in charge of the position last year.

The renowned painter said: “I especially loved Li Bai’s poems when I was a child. So I’m most impressed with The Poet’s Vision. I believe this is the finest of the world’s glory, the highest point of exquisite beauty. It already is the most esteemed. I believe all beautiful things have an interacting harmony between Ying and Yang. The show has brought out the spirituality that I wish to express from my heart after I watched it. It was as if I was brought into the canvas and wandered within a concentrated form of the culture.

“I think that the essence of traditional cultures should be properly preserved since many traditions are indeed marvelous and their spirits should be preserved. Things of ultimate beauty are things with a permanent nature. These most exquisite qualities should be passed on to future generations. At the same time, we should tell others that evil deeds are wrong. The world will become a better place only when all can differentiate between good and evil.

“I think the DPA has an extraordinary spirit and it has touched my heart. I shed tears while watching some of the programs. The original works of the DPA are just marvelous. I can see that they have integrated all beautiful things into one whole and this is a rare find. Their stage costumes and color immersed the audience in a most splendid realm. The combined effects present all genuine compassion and beauty to be found in the human world. They must have worked hard to produce something like this.”

Last but not least, Ms. Chih said: “I have great esteem for the essence of the DPA. In fact, many things of elegance require one to feel with the heart and must be gradually digested. I hope everyone can come and relish the DPA performance. A program as wonderful as this deserves everyone’s appreciation, even though it would take some time, but it’s very worthwhile. Many life experiences are valuable and I think this is one of the most valuable experiences in life.”

Ms. Chih has won the International Arts and Honorary Culture Medal and the Foreign Minister’s Award among other awards in Japan. She has also received a Gold Medal, awarded by the Art Critic’s Award Committee of the National Museum of the Prado in Spain for her art “presents an exceptional talent that is a heritage for future generations.”

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