This term describes a poetic work which has attained the sublime state of natural appeal. First put forward by late-Tang poet Sikong Tu (837-908) as a term of poetry discourse, it originates from the nature-revering aesthetic of Daoism and embodies a fundamental tenet of the theory of Chinese art. Sikong Tu championed the aesthetic principle of perfect naturalness and listed it as one of the twenty-four styles of poetry. Perfect naturalness is an ideal natural state of beauty created by poets, and also a conscious exertion sought by them in poetic composition. This notion stands in contrast to the imitation theory in Western aesthetic tradition. It seeks to achieve oneness between the poet and all lives in the universe, and at the same time maintains the individual creativity above all other lives.

A poetic work that is free from banality and exudes vigor reaches a state of perfect naturalness beyond any improvement. Sikong Tu: Twenty-four Styles of Poetry

Ink wash is the cream of all painting techniques. Making use of the natural properties of ink and water, it creates a miraculous view of heaven and earth. Wang Wei: Key to Good Paintings

By keeping his mind focused and giving free rein to his thoughts, the artist can reach such a fascinating state in appreciating the beauty of nature as to become oblivious to the external world and his own self, free from the fetters of physical forms and limitations of knowledge. Zhang Yanyuan: Famous Paintings Through History