Scrapbook For Chinese Collectors: The Shu Hua Shuo Ling

The Shu Hua Shuo Ling-a treatise on painting and forgery-was written in the eighteenth century by the relatively obscure Chinese scholar, Lu Shih-hua. It might have vanished from the landscape of Asian art history, had the eminent Sinologue, R. H. van Gulik, not recognized its essential value to our modern understanding of Chinese connoisseurship. Its worth lies in the intellectual honesty of the author in his description of the artist, his motivations and the criteria by which his work was evaluated in traditional China. Of particular interest is Lu's observations on the issue of authenticity. One wonders what chance we have to determine the authenticity of a work today, when even those with profound knowledge of the artists, their styles and work in the eighteenth century were challenged to do likewise. One also leaves Lu's treatise wondering if authenticity, as we define it, matters as much as we might lead ourselves to believe.

Publisher: Orchid Press

Published: Thailand, 1 February 2018

Format: Hardcover, 102 pages

Age Range: 15+

Other Information: 1

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15.5 x 0.7 centimeters (0.08 kg)

Writer: Shih-Hua Lu, Robert Hans Van Gulik

Reviews

An important, provocative work of interest to all who wish to acquire a deeper understanding of Chinese painting and Chinese art in general. 'Lu simply speaks out the truth, which others kept to themselves ... to read the good old writings is truly refreshing.' Tseng Yu-ho, Journal of Asian Studies '... a collection of memoirs and advice to be relished.' Joseph P. Love, Monumenta Nipponica.