The Far and Great Studio 1871 - 1933

This is an ink tablet, called "The Far and Great Studio," by Jian Guzhai, and just look at how the maker has worked and reworked the surface! The ink is dense and rich, and feels almost like a velvety bas-relief. Swirls of tiny, concentric circles pattern the background like water, or perhaps a celestial sky. In the center, a winding dragon weaves sinuously through the clouds. Its body emerges and disappears, playing peek-a-boo with our perception. But it's the sharp, clean calligraphy inscribed on the tablet that really catches my eye. The contrast between the smooth characters and the intricate background creates a dynamic tension, like thoughts rising from a sea of swirling emotions. The tablet feels a bit like something made by Vija Celmins, if she was working in a totally different medium. Like Celmins, Jian is using these motifs to create his own unique language. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, a back-and-forth across time and cultures.