Cat (Sketches from Life) 

Shen Zhou created this ink painting, "Cat (Sketches from Life)", in the 15th century. The composition immediately draws your eye to the centrally placed feline, curled into a near-perfect circular form. Shades of grey, from the palest to the darkest, are modulated to delineate the cat's fur, creating a sense of volume and texture. The formal arrangement here is not simply representational; it reflects deeper philosophical concepts prevalent during the Ming dynasty. The circle, a symbol of totality and the cosmos in Chinese philosophy, encapsulates the cat, suggesting harmony and containment. The ink wash technique, with its subtle gradations, mirrors the Daoist principles of naturalness and spontaneity. Note how the artist destabilizes traditional notions of perspective, flattening the image and emphasizing the surface, leading to a more conceptual understanding of space. Consider how the structural elements of the circle and the delicate modulation of ink converge not only to depict but also to embody notions of balance, harmony and the cyclical nature of existence, inviting endless contemplation.