Su Shi (Su Dongpo) Admiring Ink Stones One leaf from an album of nine leaves; ink and light colors on paper

Curator: Qian Huian, who lived from 1833 to 1911, painted this image titled "Su Shi (Su Dongpo) Admiring Ink Stones," now at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The spare composition lends itself to contemplation—it’s so still, almost reverent. Curator: Indeed. Note the meticulous brushwork used to depict the textures, and how the artist balances positive and negative space. The composition adheres to a strict compositional harmony. Editor: Beyond that formal balance, I see a commentary on literati culture. Su Shi, a renowned scholar, is shown here appreciating the tools of his trade, subtly suggesting a connection between intellectual pursuits and the natural world. Curator: The very placement of figures creates a visual interest. It does, though, seem like the image wants to convey a sense of harmony and reverence. Editor: Absolutely. This artwork is less about surface aesthetics and more about deeper questions of cultural and social values of its time. Curator: Perhaps that is why it offers such lasting appeal, it is always rewarding to analyze its construction and form. Editor: Precisely. Context enriches the artistic experience.