Colored Paintings Pavilion 1871 - 1933

This is an ink tablet, or ink stick, called Colored Paintings Pavilion, by Jian Guzhai. Think of it as a solid block of ink, designed to be ground with water on an ink stone to produce liquid ink for calligraphy and painting. The monochrome surface is incredibly tactile. You can almost feel the fine texture and density of the ink simply by looking at it. The subtle play of light across its surface, the tiny variations in the depth of the carved decorations, all hint at the meticulous process of its making. Notice the white lettering against the dark surface. This contrast highlights the delicate balance between positive and negative space. The curves and lines of the calligraphy seem to dance across the surface. This piece reminds me of the work of Brice Marden, who also explored the depths and subtleties of monochrome in his paintings. Like Marden, Jian Guzhai reveals the richness and complexity hidden within a seemingly simple medium.