The Act of Fishing

A bas-relief carved from fossilised mammoth ivory, set upon a wooden stand.
The gentle contrast betwixt the outer surface, veined with bluish hues of vivianite and lazurite, and the sculpted inner tones of brown, brings forth the delicacy of the engraving and the depth of the relief. The features of face and garment, the patterned forms, and the motion of the water bear witness to a labour of great refinement, imbued with the narrative spirit of a Taoist scholar.

Within the narrow boat, the man contends not with the water. He waits upon the rightful hour.
The fish, a living force of the current, answers the summons of silence.

Here, the catch is no victory,
but a passing accord
betwixt the human gesture,
the river’s breath,
and the slow course of time.

Height (with base): 23 cm / 9.05” Length: 24 cm / 9.45”

The Far East, 20th century