Ink Tablet 1662 - 1722

Curator: At first glance, this "Ink Tablet" appears unassuming, doesn't it? But look closer. Crafted sometime between 1662 and 1722 and attributed to Xiu Fangzhai, it’s more than mere ceramic; it’s a fusion of calligraphy and decorative art. Editor: My immediate response is one of elegant containment. The central ideogram is clearly framed and the eye travels beautifully through the floral motifs to the more elaborate edging. A powerful microcosm. Curator: Absolutely. That central ideogram resonates deeply within Chinese culture. It's a rendition of "fu" 福, embodying blessings, good fortune, and happiness. Its presence here transforms a simple writing tool into a powerful invocation. What do you think of how those themes reflect traditional values? Editor: Formally, I notice the masterful layering. The background floral design creates an undulating field for the "fu," whose form is rendered with decisive strokes. The outer border creates visual harmony by alternating figure and ground. Curator: Notice the subtle variations within the ceramic itself; the way light plays across its surface hinting at age. Consider how the tablet would feel in your hand—its weight, its texture against your fingertips, connecting you to centuries of artistic practice. How does that materiality inform your reading? Editor: The texture is intriguing. The raised calligraphy invites tactile exploration, literally embossing meaning onto the form. It challenges the eye by demanding to be felt. What significance might that add to the function of an ink tablet? Curator: Ink tablets were indispensable for calligraphy and painting; consider how imbuing it with "fu" elevates the artistic act itself—a ritual of self-expression becoming a conduit for prosperity. So much more than practical; imbued with intention. Editor: An artist literally writing, painting, and embodying their fortune, shaping destiny with every stroke! I see this work as a tangible bridge, seamlessly merging functionality, artistry, and deeply held cultural aspirations into one harmonious form. Curator: Exactly, it is about the interconnectedness between action and blessing; this seemingly modest object speaks volumes. Editor: Indeed. This small tablet contains a wealth of visual information about aesthetics and culture.