DREAM STONES 2007 China Diptych Shih-Hua Art Landscape Framed

Framed Shih-Hua dream stone diptych landscape.

This is a gorgeous pair of framed and matted marble stone slice known as a dream stone Shih-Hua This Diptych boasting swirling hues of charcoal, light grey, black, and pearly white. Very decorative and beautifully framed in contemporary mountings.

Dream stones

Dream stones, such as this examples, are said to be natural "paintings" featuring unique depictions of heavenly landscapes, seascapes, and mountain scenes with each native inclusion suggesting misty mountains, lofty peaks, spiraling clouds, or meandering riverbeds. Cut from Dali marble found in the Changsha mountains of western China and covered in a thin coat of wax, these stones were frequently hung in scholars' studios, perhaps serving the same function as Italian Renaissance studiolo paintings - an object of outward gaze that facilitates inward reflection and contemplation, an aesthetic exercise of the intellect. Though a dream stone, being an object from the earth rather than a manmade painting, allows for a more natural lens through which one can ponder the inherent relationship of man, nature, and the cosmos. 

Shih-Hua

This has been known in China since at least the Tang-dynasty (c. 600-800 AD) and became popular in the West in the 19th century when French collectors named it pierres de rêve. The striking patterns of the dream-stones somewhat resemble traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese paintings.

Origin: Dali Yunnan

Weight: The pair is about 20 pounds, (9.07 Kg) together. 

Measurements: Each framed piece is 711 mm by 508 mm by 51 mm (28 x 20 x 2 Inches).

Signatures: They are each signed at the verso in Chinese characters with black ink on the wood, translated as follow: "THE WATERFALL DROPS THREE THOUSANDS FEETS, MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2007 SHI ZHENQIAN HUANGSHI PASS" and "THE WATERFALL DROPS THREE THOUSANDS FEETS, IN 2007, FU QIU ENTER THE SHILANBULY YINGNAN THREE TOWERS, RICE MARBLE FACTORY".

Provenance: T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, Williamsburg Virginia. A private collection in New Jersey, USA. A private collection in Palm Beach Florida, USA.

Condition: The overall condition of these two pieces are excellent. There is no marks or damage. The piece of art was professionally mounted in contemporary white frames with UV glass. All parts are secured in the settings. This diptych has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D090224MTNM/.6721