Classical Chinese painting loved scenes like this one — persimmon, ink leaves and grasshopper, balanced on silk with a sure hand. The balance of empty silk and painted form is exactly what the old masters aimed for. You'll notice persimmon, ink leaves and grasshopper woven through the composition, giving the eye somewhere to wander.
As an ink wash chinese painting scroll painting, it sits comfortably alongside much older pieces without feeling like a copy. Like much classical Chinese art, it carries a wish inside the image — grasshoppers sing of late summer and abundant harvests. The coloring is ink tones and soft grays, in the mineral-pigment manner that ages gracefully. Stand back and the whole holds together; step close and persimmon rewards the visit. The tall format is no accident — the composition is built to be read downward.
If someone you know is assembling a Chinese art collection, this makes an easy, welcome gift. Place it where life slows down: near the books, above the tea things, or over a low console. It is a fine example of persimmon and ink leaves Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
