Charcoal Drawing – Shennong Commission

Spirit Tea Company Commission 2026

Shennong is a mythical figure whose story has been passed down through oral history. He is known to be one of the three ancient rulers, but is also considered a deity. His name can be translated to Divine Farmer, Divine Peasant, Divine Agriculturist, or Divine Husbandman. As one of the greatest heroes in Chinese legend, Shennong is believed to have taught the Chinese people agricultural practices, and how to create and use a wide range of medicines. The ancient Emperor is also credited as being the original author of, Shen-Nung Bencaojing (Divine Husbandman’s Materia Medica). The text includes 365 medicines derived from jades and stones, herbs, woods, animals, fruits and vegetables, and cereal grains. Along with a breadth of knowledge offered in Bencao Jing, Shennong is credited with introducing many tools like a mortar and pestle and farming techniques like digging wells.

Charcoal Drawing, 2026

H 57.5 x W 37.5 inches unframed