Ink Tablet Decorated with Five Pines 1871 - 1933

This circular ink tablet decorated with five pines was made by Cheng Junfang in China during the Ming Dynasty. It's like looking into a tiny world, isn't it? I imagine Junfang, carefully carving those pines, each stroke a meditation. The trees aren't just trees; they're like these ancient sages, standing tall through storms and time. The ink itself, so smooth and dark, it’s almost like a portal. You can sense the artist's breath, the way the tool moved, almost like a dance. The texture must have been so important: the feel of the ink, the resistance of the material as he worked. It's a quiet piece but full of intention and feeling. I wonder if Junfang thought about other artists while making this? Maybe some landscape painters or even poets. It's a timeless exchange, this conversation between artists across generations, all trying to make sense of the world, one mark at a time. We can never be certain of the outcome; it's up for grabs, and it's beautiful.