Welcome to the complete collection of articles published on zettl.blog. Here you will find essays on Chinese painting, calligraphy, Daoism, Zen Buddhism, aesthetics, contemporary ink art and artistic practice, together with reflections on travel, culture and creativity.
While the Arts and Philosophy Journal presents selected themes and featured essays, this page serves as a comprehensive archive, allowing readers to explore every article published on the site.
Complete Archive
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When the World Shatters
This article explores the systemic collapse of our modern world, where the high art of diplomacy is being replaced by the “right of the strongest” and international institutions are systematically undermined. From the razed…
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The $20,000 Flea Market Find
I usually don’t spend time digging through dusty boxes at the flea market. But last Sunday, a bizarre album cover caught my eye. In this post, I share the story of a ridiculous two-euro…
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Dot and Emptiness: The Essence of Chinese Art
A lecture on the dot and emptiness in Chinese painting — how Daoist and Zen principles turn a single brushstroke into a universe, illustrated through Liang Kai’s “Li Bai Strolling.”
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Buddhas Light and Other Joy
Yuan Yang region is home to several ethnic minority groups, predominantly the Hani (哈尼族) and the Yi (彝族). They maintain their own distinct clothing, lifestyles, cuisine, and customs. But there is more….
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Customs, Traditions, and Religion
A look at the local customs and spiritual life along the Tea Horse Road. In this region, Buddhism, Daoism, and local folk beliefs merge seamlessly.
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South of the clouds
”South of the Clouds” is more than just a name; it describes a shift in perspective. Moving through Lushi, Lincang, and Nakeli, we follow the Ancient Tea Horse Road deeper into a landscape shaped…
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Lushi, Lincang, Nakeli
Moving through Lushi, Lincang, and Nakeli, we continue our journey along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Time and again, we discover remarkable landscapes that remain deeply connected to their history.
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Every Day an Adventure, Every Day a Joy
It might sound a bit cliché, but our time in Heshun has been one adventure after another. We even canceled our planned trip to Mangshi because the area simply has too much to offer.…
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Pure Dao – Shi Dong Si 石洞寺
I recently visited Shi Dong Si, a historic Stone Cave Temple built directly into the natural rock in 1794. In this post, I share my impressions of a place that feels suspended in time,…
Browse by Topic
Chinese Painting
Explore articles on xieyi, brushwork, landscape painting, artistic traditions and Chinese aesthetics.
Browse Chinese Painting Articles →
Calligraphy
Essays on Chinese calligraphy, painted calligraphy, seal carving and the expressive language of the brush.
Daoism and Zen
Articles exploring Daoist philosophy, Zen Buddhism, emptiness, Wabi-Sabi and artistic contemplation.
Contemporary Ink Art
Contemporary approaches to ink painting, abstraction, gesture and artistic experimentation.
Art Theory
Thoughts on aesthetics, artistic concepts and the relationship between Eastern and Western traditions.
Travel and Culture
Essays inspired by journeys through Asia, museums, artists and cultural encounters.
Recommended Reading
If you are new to the journal, these selected essays offer an introduction to some of the central themes explored on zettl.blog.
- Nothingness in Color
- Wabi-Sabi – The Beauty in the Imperfect
- Emperor Huizong and the Spirit of Chinese Painting
- Light as State of Being: Light in Painting and Contemporary Ink Art
- What is Reality? What is Nothingness?
Related Pages
Continue exploring the ideas, artworks and artistic practice behind the articles.
Discover featured essays and thematic introductions.
Explore the philosophical background of Chinese painting and contemporary ink art.
See how many of these ideas are transformed into paintings and calligraphy.