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Finch & Co
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An Ancient Chinese slate panel. 'A Scholars Object'
( China
1700 to 1900
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Medium
Slate and wood
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Dimensions
32.00cm wide
28.00cm high
(12.60 inches wide 11.02 inches high)
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Literature:
Upon close observation one can discern the shape of a cat or mountain lion descending a rift in a mountainous landscape. It is made of green slate which contains chlorite, a green micaceous clay material.
The three main formal belief sytems of China: Doaism, Confucianism and Buddhism all stress man's oneness with nature. The terms Yin and Yang, the two fundamental concepts in Chinese metaphysics, philosophy and traditional medicine had their origins in simple topographical observation: Ynag is the sunny slope of a mountain and Yin the shady slope.
Mans philosophical communion with nature influenced all aspects of life in ancient China and it was the duty of the scholar to help men attain a more enlightened frame of mind through his nature insipired calligraphy, poetry and painting.
Mountains were especially revered as places where the serenity and peace of nature could be found. Retreats were often built by Buddhists in the mountains so that followers could become at one with nature. This small screen would have been the perfect accompaniment for a scholar in his studio. Now mounted in a 19th century Chinese wooden frame.
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Description / Expertise
An Ancient Chinese slate panel. 'A Scholars Object'
28cm x 32 cm
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