Hall for Serene Chanting 1871 - 1933

This is "Hall for Serene Chanting" by Jian Guzhai, an ink tablet. I imagine it would have been carefully carved and polished to get this smooth surface with its undulating landscape. Looking at it, I imagine the artist slowly chipping away at the ink, coaxing these delicate peaks and valleys into being. It's like a conversation between the artist and the material. You can see the marks of the hand, the intentionality behind each groove and contour. I wonder if they chanted while they were carving? The dark, matte surface absorbs light, giving it a tactile quality, so that you want to run your fingers over its surface. I love how it's not just about representation; it's about the physicality of the ink itself. This object reminds me of the tradition of landscape painting and how artists have long sought to capture the essence of nature through their work. It's all about the journey, the dialogue between artist, material, and idea. Jian Guzhai would have been part of a much wider creative conversation that continues today.