“Wood and Rock” by Su Shi: All About the $60 Mn Chinese Painting

• Art: “Wood and Rock”
• Artist: Su Shi (1037- 1101)
• Country: China
• Year: Between 1071- 1101
• Type: Ink on Paper
• Style: Chinese Literati

The Wood and Rock painting is part of a scroll, which was made during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), which was a time of great artistic revolution in China. During this period, there was a shift away from the traditional focus on religious and court art, and towards a new emphasis on literati painting.

Literati painting is a type of Chinese painting that was created by scholars and artists. It is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and expressive power. Literati painters were often inspired by nature and by the writings of Chinese philosophers and poets.

The “Wood and Rock” scroll is a prime example of literati painting. It is a simple and understated painting that captures the beauty and mystery of nature. The painting is also a reflection of the artist’s inner thoughts and feelings.

The shift towards literati painting during the Northern Song dynasty was a major artistic revolution. It marked a new era in Chinese art, and it had a profound influence on the development of Chinese painting in the centuries that followed.

The “Wood and Rock” scroll is therefore not only a masterpiece of Chinese art, but it is also a testament to the artistic revolution that was taking place during the Northern Song dynasty.

About the Artist: Su Shi (1037- 1101)

Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, was a Chinese poet, writer, calligrapher, and painter during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). He is considered to be one of the greatest poets and artists in Chinese history.

Su Shi received a classical education, and he excelled in poetry, calligraphy, and painting. He was also a brilliant student of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Su Shi’s life was influenced by a number of things, including:

His Family:

Su Shi’s parents were both highly educated and cultured people. They instilled in him a deep love of learning and appreciation for the arts.

His Education:

Su Shi’s classical education gave him a deep understanding of Chinese literature, philosophy, and history. This knowledge informed his poetry, writing, and painting.

His Travels:

Su Shi traveled extensively throughout China during his life. He visited many of the country’s most famous mountains, rivers, and lakes. His travels inspired much of his poetry and painting.

His Political Beliefs:

Su Shi was a strong advocate for social justice and political reform. His beliefs were often controversial, and he was exiled on several occasions. His political beliefs also influenced his poetry and writing.

Su Shi’s Profession:

Su Shi’s profession was scholar-official. This was a highly respected position in Chinese society during the Song dynasty. Scholar-officials were responsible for governing the country and maintaining social order. They were also expected to be well-educated and cultured.

Su Shi was a brilliant scholar and a gifted writer. He passed the imperial examinations at a young age and entered government service. He held many important positions throughout his career, including vice minister of war and governor of several provinces.

Su Shi was also a renowned poet, writer, calligrapher, and painter. He is considered to be one of the greatest poets and artists in Chinese history.

So, while Su Shi’s primary profession was scholar-official, he was also a prolific writer and artist. He was a true Renaissance man, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Su Shi was Banished Twice During His Life:

The first time was in 1080 when he was banished to Huangzhou (modern-day Hubei province). The reason for his banishment was his criticism of the New Policies of Wang Anshi, the then-prime minister of the Song dynasty. Su Shi believed that Wang Anshi’s reforms were too radical and that they would harm the people.

Su Shi spent five years in exile in Huangzhou. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous poems and essays. He also developed a deep love for the natural world, and his poetry from this period is full of evocative descriptions of the landscape.

In 1086, Su Shi was recalled from exile and returned to the capital. However, he was banished again in 1094, this time to Huizhou (modern-day Guangdong province). The reason for his second banishment was his involvement in a political scandal.

Su Shi spent six years in exile in Huizhou. During this time, he continued to write poetry and essays. He also developed a deep interest in Buddhism.

In 1100, Su Shi was pardoned and recalled from exile. He returned to the capital and served in several government positions. He died in 1101 at the age of 64.

Su Shi’s banishments were a major turning point in his life. They forced him to confront his mortality and to reconsider his priorities. During his time in exile, he developed a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. This understanding is reflected in his poetry and writing, which are some of the most profound and moving in Chinese literature.

Now that we have a glimpse into the life of the artist, let’s talk about the artwork!

Why was the Painting Sold for a Whopping $60 Million?

If you are not already aware, this iconic painting was sold for USD 60 Million at an auction in Hong Kong, led by Christie’s. The buyer’s identity is not known. However, it was clarified by the bidder that it was bought by someone from the Greater China. Earlier, the painting was owned by a Japanese collector, and it returned to China after a very long period.

Let’s dive into why the painting received so much attention at the auction:

1) The Rarity of the Painting:

The painting is one of only a handful of known works by Su Shi, who is considered to be one of the greatest Chinese poets and artists of all time.

2) Excellent Condition of the Painting:

In addition to these factors, the fact that the scroll is in excellent condition also contributes to its high value. Chinese paintings are often delicate and prone to damage, so the fact that this scroll is over 1,000 years old and is still in such good condition is remarkable.

3) The Historical Significance of the Painting:

The painting is over 1,000 years old and is considered to be a masterpiece of Chinese calligraphy and painting. It is also one of the earliest examples of Chinese literati painting.

4) The Artistic Merit of the Painting:

The painting is highly regarded for its simplicity, elegance, and expressive power. It is also a rare example of a Chinese painting that is both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating.

5) Seals of the Collectors:

The scroll bears 41 collectors’ seals dating from the Southern Song (1127-1279), the Yuan (1271-1368), and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. These seals are a testament to the painting’s long and distinguished provenance. They also add to the scroll’s aesthetic value, as the seals are often beautifully carved and inscribed.

6) Colophons, or Commentaries:

The scroll also bears four colophons, or commentaries, written by prominent scholars and artists over the centuries. These colophons provide valuable insights into the painting’s history and significance. They also add to the scroll’s intellectual value, as they are written by some of the most respected minds in Chinese history.

The seals of the collectors and the colophons are therefore important factors in the high value of the “Wood and Rock” scroll. They add to the scroll’s rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal.

As the scroll unrolls past the painting, we find commentaries inscribed by successive generations of connoisseurs and collectors. Mi Fu (1051-1107), a close friend of Su Shi, is foremost among this illustrious roll of inscribers. Both Su and Mi rank among the four greatest calligraphers of the Song dynasty. Mi’s short verse reflects on Su’s long life, the introspection he was inclined to in his later years, and the profound value of their shared friendship. The undulating turns of Mi’s brush and his careful balance of form and rhythm make his inscription a masterpiece in its own right. Su and Mi’s deep affinity is visible in their paired examples of artistic excellence and signify a glorious monument of World Culture.

Here’s are the Rough Translations of All the Colophons of the Painting Scroll: