Created 2009
Renderer: POV-Ray 3.7 beta 34
Tools: Pencil & paper, Photoshop, PoseRay, IC.
"In Praise of Shadows" is a short essay by the Japanese novelist Junichiro Tanizaki
written in 1933. I can warmly recommend it and the English and German ("Lob des Schattens")
translations are still available.
I'm aware of the problematic history between Japan and China and misusing the title
of an essay by an Japanese author for a Chinese scene can only be explained by my
western ignorance. If it helps here are other explanations for the title:
"Elogio de la Sombra" is the title of a poem by Jorge Luis Borges. He was almost
blind when he did write it.
"Praise of Shadows" is also part of a dialog line from "Xena, Warrior Princess"
said by Xena's sidekick during a trip to China.
And finally as Bob Ross did put it within his famous BBC series "The Joy of Painting":
"You need deep shadows to bring out the light".