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

Editor: This is "Rock," an illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting by Hu Zhengyan. It's amazing how much texture he creates with what appears to be so little detail. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: This image reflects a crucial moment in art history, particularly regarding cultural dissemination and access. The Ten Bamboo Studio Manual democratized sophisticated artistic techniques. How do you see that impacting the social meaning of art at the time? Editor: That's interesting... it's like mass production met art. I hadn't considered that. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It also challenges the idea of the singular artistic genius, doesn't it? I'm glad we got to chat about that.