| 内容简介（英文） | Rocks Ni Yuan-lu (1593-1644) Ming Dynasty Ni Yuan-lu (style name Ju-yu and sobriquets Hung-pao and Yuan-k’o) was a native of Shang-yu, Chekiang. After receiving his chin-shih civil service degree in 1622, he went on to serve as Minister of Rites. In 1644, however, the Ming dynasty fell to the invading Manchus and Ni committed suicide rather than serve the new rulers. Ni’s poetry and writing was known for its extraordinary qualities; he was also a gifted calligrapher in running and small regular scripts as well as a painter of rocks-and-pines and flowers. This work is done in a free and easy manner. Because the silk medium was treated with alum, it did not absorb the ink very well. The result is that the contrast between light and dark areas of ink is quite strong. This so-called “halo” effect to the ink gives the work an ancient and elegant feel. The small rocks in this work are similar to those used in the scholar’s studio as a brush stand. In fact, it is almost as if we are able to reach out and pick them up. This painting was donated to the National Palace Museum by Mr. T’ai Ching-nung. |
