Bamboo -- Illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting (Shizhuzhai shuhua pu) before 1703

Editor: This is *Bamboo* from the *Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting* by Hu Zhengyan. It's a simple image, but I'm struck by the contrast between the dark, sharp leaves and the delicate stems. What do you see here? Curator: The bamboo has deep roots in Chinese culture. It is a symbol of resilience, integrity, and flexibility, which resonates even today. Notice how the artist uses different ink tones and brushstrokes to distinguish the old growth from the new? Editor: So, the different styles aren't just about technique, but about conveying symbolic meaning? Curator: Precisely! It's about showing layers of experience and the continuous cycle of life. This small image carries a wealth of cultural memory. Editor: That’s fascinating. I’ll never look at a bamboo painting the same way again! Curator: Indeed. The language of symbols can be surprisingly profound.