Hall for Serene Chanting 1871 - 1933

This tiny relief carving, called Hall for Serene Chanting, was crafted by Jian Guzhai, using inkstone. The process of making ink, pressing and grinding to release the pigment, seems deeply connected to the art making here. I love how it's both functional and a space for imaginative projection. The surface is a field of tiny marks, a network of grooves and ridges that ripple across the stone. These lines define the mountains, creating a sense of depth and texture. It's like the artist has condensed an entire landscape into this palm-sized object. Notice how the carved lines almost vibrate with a life of their own? They remind me of Agnes Martin's grids, but wilder, more unruly. The inkstone invites contemplation, a kind of meditation on nature and the art of mark-making. It's a conversation across centuries, a reminder that art is always in dialogue with the past. We’re all just remixing the same old songs, trying to find our own voice in the chorus.