Bird on a Rock -- Illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting (Shizhuzhai shuhua pu) before 1703

Curator: Here we see Hu Zhengyan's "Bird on a Rock," an illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting, dating back to the late Ming Dynasty. Editor: It feels so immediate, almost like a quick sketch despite the obvious skill. The bird, perched precariously, looks about to take flight. Curator: The Ten Bamboo Studio Manual was revolutionary, a pattern book shaping artistic trends and popular taste. It democratized access to sophisticated imagery. Editor: The bird is a potent symbol of freedom, aspiration, and perhaps even a longing for transcendence, amplified by the rugged, steadfast rock beneath it. Curator: Indeed, and consider the manual's influence on the literati aesthetic. It codified certain images and styles, but also allowed for individual interpretation and adaptation by artists. Editor: Ultimately, the image is a reminder of nature’s beauty and the human desire to capture it, a timeless pursuit that continues to inspire.