Dalishi or marble stool from Guizhou Province, China

Unsigned and Untitled

What can be more subjective than the appreciation of art? What one person loves, another may disdain. Even among critics, skirmishes are common – and they are paid to know what is valuable, meaningful, and original. Disagreement is so rampant in the art world, you might even say it is the norm; except in one case. There is universal agreement about one artist who works from the miniature to the monumental, regularly paints masterpieces, sculpts original forms, makes compelling installations, and even composes symphonies of soothing sounds. Her name is Nature.

Mineral inclusions produced a sinuous white vein in the marble

This week’s New Arrival features a marble stone stool collected in Guizhou, China, where nature has been considered a true master for many centuries. In Chinese, marble is called Dalishi. Like its cousin Gongshi, or spirit stone, marble is in fact considered a natural art form. Traditionally appreciated for its picturesque qualities rather than its shape, marble usually requires sculpting. Look closely at this seat. The deep green color is reminiscent of the earth; the swirling veins invoke the rolling seas; and the pure white inclusion looks as if it’s been painted directly on the stone. Even the harshest critics may agree this is a masterpiece.

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