Ancient art reunited: A tale of cultural connection across the Taiwan strait

On China's National Day on October 1, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command presented "Dreams Come True on Fuchun River," a heartwarming story of reunification.

This animation tells the extraordinary tale of bringing back together pieces of a revered scroll painting, "The Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," which were separated over 300 years ago.

The story not only highlights the splendour of ancient Chinese art but also underscores the mainland's steadfast commitment to incorporate Taiwan, which it considers one of its provinces.

In a time when China and Taiwan remain politically estranged, "The Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," an invaluable masterpiece of the Yuan dynasty painted by Huang Gongwang, finds itself divided.

One piece, named "The Remaining Mountain," measuring approximately 51 cm in length, resides within the walls of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou, China. The other, a substantial 640-cm long section titled "Master Wuyong Scroll," has been safeguarded in Taiwan's National Palace Museum since the 1950s. The separation of these revered pieces mirrors the ongoing political divide between China and Taiwan.

The animated short film, "Dreams Come True on Fuchun River," artfully bridges the cultural divide between China and Taiwan. The storyline revolves around two elf-like characters symbolising the separated sections of the masterpiece.

The painting, tragically torn asunder during the 17th century by one of its owners, serves as a metaphor for the historical and political rift between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. However, in a magical twist of fate, the two characters unite, symbolising the hope for reconciliation and unity.

The actual reunion of the two sections of "The Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" took place in 2011. China temporarily lent its fragment to the Taiwanese museum during a period of warmer relations, driven by Taiwan's policy of economic rapprochement.

However, in recent years, diplomatic relations have cooled, and China has escalated military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan. China has proposed ambitious plans for economic integration between its Fujian province and Taiwan, offering joint development opportunities that Taiwan's government has thus far rejected.

While China endeavours to entice Taiwan with promises of economic prosperity and cooperation, the threat of using force to reunify with the island persists. The animated film, during the journey of the two elves, subtly inserts images of formidable aircraft carrier formations and J-20 fighter jets. These scenes serve as a reminder of China's military capabilities and its unwavering stance regarding Taiwan.