Antique Painting of a Scholar in His Studio, China (1036P-UKEM )

Description

Chinese scholars, referred to as literati during the Ming and Qing dynasties, were revered as men of culture and historically have been popular motifs in Chinese paintings. Members of this elite gentry class were acclaimed for their skills in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and writing and were often portrayed actively involved in these honored undertakings. For thousands of years a major genre of Chinese painting was the “literati aesthetic” that integrates poetry, calligraphy and painting into a single work of art. This beautiful and tranquil 19^th century painting of a seated scholar is an homage to that artistic expression which has experienced a resurgence in popularity from the late 17^th-early 20^th century. Calligraphy is one of the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar.The calligraphy here set within an elaborate frame is Chinese “cursive script “(caoshu meaning rough) and is basically elegant “shorthand calligraphy.”  Ancient cursive script originated at the end of the Han dynasty circa 220 CE and during the Tang dynasty (618 to 907) and was simplified and abbreviated often using a single continuous flowing movement. Requiring special training and study, it is generally unintelligible to the untrained eye. The pensive refined scholar wears highly decorative long scholar’s robes with round collar and long sleeves. His small studio in earth tones suggest the strong ties between scholars and nature.  He sits on a day bed with curved legs, arm resting on his work table supporting the Four Treasures of a Scholar’s Studio: a brush, ink stone, paper, and ink stick.  His open book probably alludes to his attempts to master this demanding calligraphy skill by copying the works of well-known early practitioners. Set in a fine handcrafted frame.