Nine carp 19th century

This scroll painting, “Nine Carp”, was created by Gong Gu, active in China during the Qing Dynasty. It's made with ink and color on silk, a traditional pairing in East Asian painting. Now, consider the material properties of silk, which has a subtle sheen and accepts fine detail. Also consider the nature of ink, which allows for great tonal range and controlled washes. Gong Gu expertly uses these qualities to depict the carp with a sense of depth and realism. The meticulous detail involved in preparing both the silk and the inks, as well as the skilled hand needed to execute this painting, all speak to a culture of patient, highly specialized labor. The way that Gong Gu’s piece merges technique and subject matter shows that there is no separation of concept from execution. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between 'high art' and 'craft', encouraging us to appreciate the artistry embedded in every step of the painting process.