Liu Zhou City, Guang Xi Province, China Case fabricated by Edwin Ellis Cloverdale, California Chinese rock landscapes have a quiet elegance that draws the viewer into a world of tranquility and natural harmony. They embody the Chinese concept of penjing, meaning natural scenery, deeply rooted in the country’s art theory which evolved over a time period exceeding a thousand years. China has great deal of mountainous terrain—and these “miniature landscapes” evoke the Chinese fondness for both the rich landscape of their country and for the mineral kingdom. In present day China, as many as 30 different types of rock are used for the creation of penjing. Some of these include various kinds of sandstone as well as pumice, stalactites and Ying Rock. The artist allows the raw material and its inherent properties, such as striations and contours to guide him in its shaping and placement on the stand. While larger rocks can be displayed in a garden setting smaller stones have been brought indoors and placed on rosewood stands to grace a table in a scholar’s study and serve as inspiration for meditation. The term for this form of rock appreciation is suiseki (actually a Japanese term) and it has been an integral part of China’s literati culture for over a thousand years. Throughout the ages, rocks have been venerated in China for a number of reasons, either due to their shape, color, luster, or to the exquisite sound they emit when struck. Stalactites, a calcite mineral containing mainly calcium carbonate, have been used for centuries to form penjing. The present example, from the classic locality in China, known for its calcite encrusted caverns, is a superb example of a ribbon or drapery type calcite stalactite. Brought to this country several decades ago, its owners commissioned a well-known California wood artist to fabricate the American black walnut case. Edwin Ellis’ wood sculptures are known for showing motion—a sensibility evident in this piece—the carved walnut base emulates the lapping of ocean waves at the base of a majestic island. A mineralogically interesting specimen, beautifully displayed and worthy of contemplation. Case lid is removeable. Case measuring 58 x 32 x 25in.
Liu Zhou City, Guang Xi Province, China Case fabricated by Edwin Ellis Cloverdale, California Chinese rock landscapes have a quiet elegance that draws the viewer into a world of tranquility and natural harmony. They embody the Chinese concept of penjing, meaning natural scenery, deeply rooted in the country’s art theory which evolved over a time period exceeding a thousand years. China has great deal of mountainous terrain—and these “miniature landscapes” evoke the Chinese fondness for both the rich landscape of their country and for the mineral kingdom. In present day China, as many as 30 different types of rock are used for the creation of penjing. Some of these include various kinds of sandstone as well as pumice, stalactites and Ying Rock. The artist allows the raw material and its inherent properties, such as striations and contours to guide him in its shaping and placement on the stand. While larger rocks can be displayed in a garden setting smaller stones have been brought indoors and placed on rosewood stands to grace a table in a scholar’s study and serve as inspiration for meditation. The term for this form of rock appreciation is suiseki (actually a Japanese term) and it has been an integral part of China’s literati culture for over a thousand years. Throughout the ages, rocks have been venerated in China for a number of reasons, either due to their shape, color, luster, or to the exquisite sound they emit when struck. Stalactites, a calcite mineral containing mainly calcium carbonate, have been used for centuries to form penjing. The present example, from the classic locality in China, known for its calcite encrusted caverns, is a superb example of a ribbon or drapery type calcite stalactite. Brought to this country several decades ago, its owners commissioned a well-known California wood artist to fabricate the American black walnut case. Edwin Ellis’ wood sculptures are known for showing motion—a sensibility evident in this piece—the carved walnut base emulates the lapping of ocean waves at the base of a majestic island. A mineralogically interesting specimen, beautifully displayed and worthy of contemplation. Case lid is removeable. Case measuring 58 x 32 x 25in.
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