Hanging Scroll (Tea Bowl) 

Curator: Looking at this piece, "Hanging Scroll (Tea Bowl)" by Deiryu, created using ink on paper, my initial impression is one of profound simplicity and meditative calm. The monochrome palette certainly reinforces that. Editor: Yes, the sparseness is striking. It makes me think about the historical role of tea ceremonies and how they became these codified events used by powerful figures to negotiate social bonds and hierarchies in Asia. Curator: Precisely. You see the visible brushstrokes, the subtle variations in the ink wash… It really foregrounds the artist’s process. The way the form is constructed feels very immediate and improvisational, emphasizing a dialogue between material and maker. Editor: I am curious about Deiryu, how they were affiliated to particular networks or institutions because, for centuries, in the Asian art world, patronage and artistic styles are inextricably linked. I can see some calligraphy also—do you think it affects the drawing? Curator: Undeniably. The integration of text and image collapses that traditional Western art-historical hierarchy where calligraphy might be deemed lesser than "fine art." Editor: Agreed, I suppose the real skill lies in achieving such evocative power with so little visible effort. We see this art appearing increasingly at exhibitions and institutions worldwide, showcasing a desire for cultural understanding of Asia, particularly China, and perhaps indicating that Western artistic value is not as hegemonic as once was. Curator: I think, more generally, this intimate, personal kind of work speaks to a desire to connect with a slower pace of life. With traditional artisanal processes. Something palpably human. Editor: Well, this was indeed insightful! Thank you for exploring its social background alongside with me. Curator: Thank you. Delving into materiality always broadens our perceptions of social influence and its implications.