Suanzhi (paper smoother) 1850

Yue Hongqing created this Suanzhi, or paper smoother, out of wood. Look closely, and you will see it is inscribed with the prunus, or plum blossom. The plum blossom, blossoming amidst the cold of winter, has been a potent symbol in Chinese art since the Song dynasty, often associated with perseverance and renewal. We see this symbolism echoed through time, from ink paintings on silk to porcelain. The plum blossom has an emotional resonance, evoking a sense of hope. But here, on this humble paper smoother, the plum blossom takes on a more intimate meaning. The act of smoothing paper, readying it for calligraphy or painting, becomes a ritual imbued with the promise of creative expression. We see the cyclical progression of this symbol, resurfacing with nuanced meanings.