Portrait of the Second Mistress of Mountain – Divine Portraits project x Tree

The second painting by Tree for our project, Divine Portraits. This artwork depicts the Second Mistress of the Mountain. The dominant colors are green, complemented by a background showcasing a mountainous landscape, reflecting the essence of the Mountain Palace [Nhạc Phủ].

As a youthful deity residing in the Mountains Palace [Nhạc Phủ], the Second Mistress is adorned in attire predominantly green, symbolic of her domain. Inspired by the traditional attire of the Mường ethnicity, her outfit pays homage to one of her incarnations born into a Mường family. In the illustration, with telekinetic prowess, she elevates a golden tray brimming with blessings from the Mountainous Villages, promising prosperity. Adorning the tray are quintessential Vietnamese elements such as betel leaf, areca nuts, fingered citrons, peach, green oranges, yellow chrysanthemums, white jasmine, roses, and rice. Resting on her lap is a meticulously carved wooden chest portraying the mountainous landscape, emblematic of her role as the village’s storekeeper, bestowing blessings upon those she deems worthy.

Inspired by the traditional attire of Mường women, the Second Mistress dons an ensemble comprising a turquoise camisole, a black wrap skirt adorned with a vibrant brocade band across the chest, a white robe, and a deep green Đối Khâm (parallel-flap) robe intricately embroidered with golden thread. Secured around her hip is a green scarf, while her headscarf, known as a “khăn duyên” (duyên scarf), is a nod to traditional Mường attire. Completing her ensemble are green velvet babouche embroidered with colorful flowers, a carved ivory bracelet with a silver coupling, and a jade ring adorning her hand. Her silver earrings are reminiscent of the Mường style, while a silver collar graces her neck, embellished with rattles and miniature jade Khánh, a type of musical instrument.