What is three vinegar tasters?

The Three Vinegar Tasters is a traditional subject in Chinese art that depicts three men tasting vinegar. The three men are Confucius, Buddha, and Laozi, each regarded as the greatest sage in their respective fields: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Confucius is seen as holding vinegar and having a sour look on his face, symbolizing his view that life is full of unpleasantness and struggle, and that human decency must be cultivated to overcome them.

Buddha, on the other hand, has a serene expression, symbolizing his belief in the power of inner peace and detachment in achieving enlightenment. He does not react to the vinegar's taste, demonstrating his transcendence of material desire.

Laozi is seen smiling despite the sour taste of the vinegar, representing his philosophy of living in harmony with the natural order. He suggests that life is like vinegar, bitter and sweet at the same time, and that balance and simplicity are the keys to a harmonious existence.

The Three Vinegar Tasters is a symbol of the three great religions of China, as well as of the wider theme of the diversity of human thought, and the need for tolerance and mutual respect.