「The Art of Collecting」Jiansongge: Stones Embracing Visions, the Heart Follows Its Delights

When people appraise and appreciate the elegant stones in the study, they often get fixated on the form and value. However, to truly understand an antique, one must first understand the people behind it and their state of mind. I have been friends with Mr. Huang Xuanlong, the founder of Jiansongge, for many years. I know well that he has dedicated himself to the study of Ming and Qing study wares for decades, with a particular fondness for the refined charm of Ming Dynasty scholar’s objects. His collection has never aimed for a large variety but is rather committed to the aura and essence of the objects themselves. Just as Ouyang Xiu said, “Fulfill my own preferences, indulge in them until old age, and that is sufficient.” Choosing an elegant pastime to accompany life is his principle of collecting. As the saying goes, objects reflect their owners. The treasures that can find their way onto his desk have always been a concrete manifestation of the literati’s noble character.

The “Qixiang Mountain – A Lingbi Stone for Appreciation with a Qing Dynasty Redwood Base” presented at the SUNGARI Spring Auctions is such a masterpiece that conforms to one’s inner self. The entire stone is a natural wonder, without any artificial carving, and presents beautiful views from all four sides. The stone’s body, a harmonious blend of dark – greenish black and a warm luster, is interspersed with faintly unfurling light – colored veins. The thick, ashen – gray patina on its surface bears witness to the slow and tender nurturing of time, accumulated over years spent in the seclusion of the study.

The most fascinating aspect of this stone is that it breaks the static beauty of traditional stone appreciation. According to early literature such as “Ancient Yi,” its color changes with the weather. When it’s sunny, the stone turns white; when it’s overcast, it turns gray. Once a heavy rain is approaching, it will turn jet – black and even condense water droplets, as if breathing in harmony with the seasons, a truly spiritual stone.

The term “Qixiang” has a double meaning. It not only refers to the stone’s strange spirituality in responding to the weather but also implies the broad – mindedness and peaceful self – containment of ancient literati as they observed the changes of nature. Elegant objects come and go, and their dispersion and gathering are common occurrences. However, the spirit of “Following one’s heart’s desires” will be passed down through generations with these antiques. Now, this Qixiang Mountain stone appears in the spring auction, waiting for a kindred spirit who can continue this centuries – old literati elegance.

There is a vast world to explore within the realm of collecting. That is all for today’s chat—until next time!