This dissertation aims to investigate the icons of the deer paintings of ancient Taiwan . Through the close examinations on the paintings as well as Chinese and western documents, I attempt to conceptualize the landscape of Tai-jiang Inland Sea and the life-styles of Han Chinese and aborigines presented in the paintings. From the cartographic and cultural perspectives, I discover many icons and images which can help us to realize the history of Taiwan ’s deer paintings and the development of trading with the West in the late-eighteenth century. After examining the details of deer paintings, I find out that the life-styles of Han Chinese and aborigines were actually imaginary as well as authentic presentations. This finding can only be comprehended when placing the paintings into the relevant historical context. In so doing, it can enrich our understanding about the history of Taiwan in the eighteenth century.