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

Curator: Right, here we have "Rocks," an illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting, created by Hu Zhengyan, who lived from 1584 to 1634. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the stillness and the quiet dignity of these humble stones. They feel almost monumental, despite their size. Curator: Exactly. The rocks, rendered with such delicate lines, come across as symbols of longevity and resilience. Editor: I see the use of space here. The arrangement of the rocks speaks volumes about the Daoist ideals of harmony and balance. Curator: I wonder, with only rocks as his subject, was Hu Zhengyan making a subtle comment on permanence in the face of imperial change? Editor: It's amazing how such a simple composition can spark such complex reflections. Curator: It feels like a meditation, doesn't it? A quiet invitation to contemplate the enduring nature of the natural world.