Chinese scholar's rocks
Scholars rocks can be any color. There are a wide variety of sizes. Scholars rocks can weigh hundreds of pounds or less than one pound. The term also means stones which are placed in traditional Chinese gardens.
History[change | change source]
Origin[change | change source]
The origin of the stone is a notable feature.
Evaluation[change | change source]
The evaluation of a scholar's rock identifies subtlety of color, shape, markings and surface. The qualities which are prized include
- awkwardness or odd symmetry
- resonance or ringing when struck
- represents or resemblance to landscape or figure
- moistness or glossy surface
The stone may be displayed on a wooden base that has been carved specifically for the stone. The stones are a traditional subject of Chinese paintings.
Related pages[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The World of Scholars' Rocks Gardens, Studios, and Paintings"; retrieved 2012-12-20.
- Harvard Shanghai Center, "Scholar Stone"; retrieved 2012-12-20.
- Brokaw, Charles. (2011). The Temple Mount Code, p. 73.
- Cousins, Craig. (2006). Bonsai Master Class, p. 246.
- Cousins, p. 247.
- Mendelson, John. "Chinese scholars' rocks simultaneously original and simulacrum" at ArtNet.com, 1996; retrieved 2012-12-20.
- Harvard Museums, "Scholar's rock", 1993 painting; Linrothe, Robert N. (2004). Paradise and Plumage: Chinese Connections in Tibetan Arhat Painting, p. 24; retrieved 2012-12-20.