Introduction

Special Exhibition of Stone Carvings from Hunan Museum

Between its majestic mountains and coursing rivers, Hunan’s fertile lands have long yielded an astonishing variety of ornamental stones. Generations of master craftsmen have breathed life into these stones - carving them into inkstone screens for the scholar’s studio, or shaping them into lintels and pillars that stand testament to Hunan’s architectural heritage. Each piece embodies the soul of this land. To literati, these stones became silent companions, their textures revealing nature’s poetry under contemplative fingers. To common folk, they transformed into vessels of hope, carrying simple prayers for health and happiness.

This exhibition presents over 100 exceptional pieces from Hunan Museum’s collection, featuring chrysanthemum stone, Yuanzhou stone, ink-quartz, and Taoyuan stone. Here, nature’s raw beauty meets the artisan’s chisel in perfect harmony. Visitors are invited to uncover nature’s mysteries and delve into the profound legacy of Hunan’s stone carving tradition.