「The Art of Collecting」One vessel conceals simplicity, ten years continue the passage of time

The “Mei Shao Yue (the name of Chinese guqin: Moon on the Plum Branches) “Chinese guqin has a clear and mellow sound, lingering gracefully. Its ancient and simple body, carrying the echoes of history, collides with the modern exhibition lights. It was a cherished collection of Mr. Wang Shixiang and serves as the opening scene of this exhibition of Guardian Auction. Guardian Auction has a long-standing connection with Mr. Wang Shixiang. Since 2003, an exhibition of Mr. Wang Shixiang’s treasures was held every ten years to keep it shining.

This exhibition is named after the inscription on the case written by the master himself:”The world adoresbeauty and splendor, I am fond of simplicity and plainness”. In the exhibition, the minimalist design of the large case conceals his dedication to the beauty of simplicity and plainness; the lacquer box with gold lacquer patterns exudes an ancient charm; the water dragon pattern incense burner, with its bronze texture, has the dragon pattern leaping as if it were a thousand-year-old flame, witnessing the master’s profound research on ancient artifacts; the bamboo-woven flower vase “Tear Drop”, with its bent bamboo strips, is a wonderful collision of traditional craftsmanship and modern art, just like Tian Jiayqing’s inheritance and innovation in research.

These old collections, along with the unfinished “maki-e” and “iron inlaid with gold” craft exhibits, in the exhibition held once every ten years by Guardian Auction, have become a cultural bond connecting the past and the present. It not only continues the unfinished aspirations of the master but also allows the audience to see Guardian Auction using exhibitions as a bridge to convey the dedication and exploration of two generations of scholars towards traditional craftsmanship. This is a unique narrative interwoven with the history of collection and academic history. It invites us to savor the master’s sentiments and academic warmth, and to appreciate the power of cultural inheritance.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.