Planting Fragrant Fungus at the Tiaozhou'an Possibly 1368 - 1644

Chen Guan painted "Planting Fragrant Fungus at the Tiaozhou'an" using ink on paper during the late Ming Dynasty. The work’s power lies in the subtle properties of ink. Diluted washes create atmospheric effects. The gradations of tone bring out the texture of the paper. The strokes of the brush have a calligraphic quality, and the layers of ink create depth and dimension. We can imagine Chen Guan carefully grinding the ink stick, mixing it with water to achieve the desired consistency. This process was as important as the application to paper. Consider too the social context: Chen Guan was part of a literati culture that valued painting as an expression of personal cultivation. By emphasizing the materials and the making, he elevates the painting beyond mere representation. It becomes a testament to the artist's inner world, and an invitation for us to contemplate the beauty of simplicity and the value of skilled practice.