Landscape in the Style of Ancient Masters: colophon by Lu Hui, dated 1912 Possibly 1368 - 1644

Lan Ying created this landscape in the style of ancient masters with ink on paper. But what is a landscape without mountains, rivers or trees? Here, the landscape takes the form of calligraphy, with each brushstroke laden with cultural weight. In East Asian traditions, calligraphy has long transcended mere writing; it is a dance of ink, embodying the artist's spirit and revealing profound connections between nature, mind, and cosmos. The characters themselves are potent symbols, evoking philosophical concepts. The fluid strokes echo the ever-changing forms of nature. We might think of the "scholar's rocks" found in Chinese gardens – miniature landscapes intended to evoke the vastness of the natural world within a contained space. The act of contemplation before this work engages our subconscious, a deep, intuitive understanding, allowing us to grasp the interconnectedness of all things, a visceral connection across centuries. This resonates even today, calling us to reflect on our place within the grand tapestry of existence.