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

Editor: This illustration, "Orchids and Rock," is by Hu Zhengyan, dating back to the late Ming Dynasty. I'm immediately struck by its sparse, almost meditative quality. What was the cultural significance of depicting orchids and rocks in this way? Curator: Precisely. During this period, literati painting elevated seemingly simple subjects like orchids to symbols of refined virtue. Rocks represented enduring strength. The "Ten Bamboo Studio Manual" itself democratized access to artistic techniques, shifting image production beyond the elite. Editor: So, it’s not just about the image, but the book’s role in making art more accessible? Curator: Exactly. It reflects a changing social landscape where artistic knowledge was becoming increasingly valued across different social strata. What do you think about that? Editor: I hadn't considered how a manual could be a social force. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's about understanding art as part of a broader cultural and political narrative.