Water in landscape art carries cultural metaphors like life, renewal, and transience. In Chinese art, rivers symbolize harmony and the flow of time, reflecting Taoist principles. In Western traditions, oceans often represent the sublime, evoking awe or the unknown. Lakes and streams can signify purity or emotional depth, while turbulent waters convey chaos or struggle. These metaphors vary by culture but consistently tie water to human emotions and existential themes, making it a versatile symbol in artistic expression. [Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/water-in-art)