"Ox on a Mountain" Scholars' Rock

The natural animalistic shape of this dark limestone echoes its name, “Ox on a Mountain.” Scholars' rocks are as old as the earth and are prized for their unique formations, which invited contemplation and offered artists inspiration for painting and poetry. Sometimes they are dated according to the time they have been mounted. It is hard to know whether the intricately carved rosewood mount on which this stone stands is original to the stone. "Ox on a Mountain" is an abstract sculpture to be interpreted by its viewer. At its peak, you can see a strong ox peering down, poised to move. Like every great scholars' rock, it is balanced beautifully: not heavy, but light and open, letting air easily flow through it. Its crinkled surface shows incredible age. The rock is very modern in its ancient way.