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Scholar's Rocks
Lingbi Scholar's Rock
There is a very apt saying to describe the fish-shaped scholar stone hanging under a gate-stand: “Carps leaping over the dragon door.” According to Chinese mythology, the Dragon’s gate is located at the top of a waterfall, and while many carp swim upstream against the river’s strong current, only those who are courageous and capable enough are able to leap over the Dragon’s Gate. Those who successfully make the jump are transformed into Dragons. This expression was used to describe the successful candidates of the Imperial Examination. The meaning is that if a person is diligent, success will be achieved.

About Scholar’s Rocks:

Chinese scholar’s rocks, also known as scholar stones or viewing stones, are naturally occurring or natural-shaped rocks which were traditionally appreciated by Chinese scholars for their aesthetic qualities. Rocks have long been admired in China as an essential feature in gardens. By the early Song dynasty (960–1279), small ornamental rocks were also collected as accoutrements of the scholar's study, and the portrayal of rocks, often joined by an old tree or bamboo, became a favorite and enduring pictorial genre. Chinese scholars drew inspiration from these rocks, which represented the natural world, for the creation of their poems and paintings.

Period : 18th-19th Century
Size : H. 51cm x W. 33cm
Material / Type : Lingbi Rock
Origin : Lingbi
Status : Available