Bamboo copied after Wen Tong 1343

This hanging scroll, “Bamboo copied after Wen Tong,” was made by Ke Jiusi during the Yuan dynasty with ink on paper. These materials are quite simple, yet they were handled by Ke Jiusi with great skill. The artist demonstrates not only mastery of brushstroke, but also of ink tonality. The bamboo leaves are depicted in a range of values from light gray to nearly black, which is achieved through careful control of ink dilution and application, layering ink washes to build up depth and form. We can imagine Ke Jiusi carefully grinding ink sticks, mixing them with water to achieve the desired consistency, and then using a brush to apply the ink onto the paper. The act of copying, itself, is a kind of labor. In doing so, Ke Jiusi places himself within a lineage of artistic practice and thinking. Through attention to materials, process, and social context, we can better appreciate the depth and complexity of this seemingly simple work of art.