The Garlic Confession (大蒜圖)

A head of garlic, rendered in bold ink, becomes the vehicle for a witty confession and social commentary. The inscription advises: "Be more spicy to yourself, less smelly to others", using garlic's dual nature as a metaphor for self-discipline and consideration. The artist then admits his own garlic addiction and inability to reform, offering this painting as a humorous apology. This New Literati work exemplifies the Chinese tradition of finding philosophical depth in the most ordinary of subjects.