Cicada on Willow Tree

Zhao Shao'ang was fond of painting cicada because it perched on the highest branch of the tree and imbibed only dew. He felt that it had integrity, like men who would rather be poor than compromise themselves in seeking riches and fame. It also symbolizes the feat of an unknown person who amazes the world with a single brilliant feat, as it climbs to the top of trees with a loud noise.