There is nothing fussy about this scroll: a scene from Dream of the Red Chamber, honest brushwork, and room to breathe. Painters never tired of the Dream of the Red Chamber, and looking at this scroll, neither will you. Look closer and you'll pick out lotus, ink wash and calligraphy — each stroke placed with intent.
Lines are spare and expressive and washes soft at the edges; it has the rhythm of brushwork done without hesitation. Beyond the looks, there is meaning: in China the written word outranks all other arts — a good hand was the scholar's calling card. Color stays ink tones and soft grays — enough to lift the ink, never enough to shout. High summer comes with it — full blossom, dense green, long days that seem to slow down. At eye level it invites a closer look, yet never shouts over the room.
All it needs is wall space and reasonable light — it handles the atmosphere by itself. A thoughtful housewarming choice for anyone with a soft spot for Chinese brush art. It is a fine example of lotus and ink wash Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
