The Smoke and Clouds Unfolding and Folding 1871 - 1933

This exquisite piece, titled 'The Smoke and Clouds Unfolding and Folding,' was created by Jian Guzhai, though the exact date remains unknown. It is made of ink-cake, a solid form of ink traditionally used in East Asian calligraphy and painting. The process of creating ink-cake is laborious, involving the mixing of soot with glue, followed by molding and slow drying. In this case, the surface is carved in low relief with a detailed landscape. The material itself - dense, fine-grained, and capable of holding a sharp impression - lends itself beautifully to the task. The inherent qualities of the ink-cake allows for the subtle gradations of light and shadow, which gives depth to the intricate carving. Ink-cake production was a highly skilled craft, with certain workshops becoming renowned for their quality. By appreciating the labor and material properties involved in its creation, we can see this artwork not just as a visual image, but as a testament to the deep integration of craft, culture, and artistic expression.