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

Editor: Here we have Hu Zhengyan’s "Chrysanthemum and Bamboo" from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual. It's monochromatic, simple, yet elegant. What role did these manuals play in the art world of the time? Curator: These manuals democratized art, making sophisticated techniques and imagery accessible beyond elite circles. Consider it a form of artistic activism, challenging traditional hierarchies. Editor: Activism? That's not how I usually see these older pieces. Curator: Absolutely! By distributing knowledge, Zhengyan empowered a broader audience to create and appreciate art. The politics of imagery shifted with accessibility. Who gets to create, who gets to learn, and who gets to appreciate becomes more diverse. Editor: So it's not just about the flowers themselves but about the social impact of the manual? Curator: Precisely. It's about reframing our understanding of art's role in society and how knowledge shapes cultural power. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Curator: And me too.