Gongshi, which means “scholars rock.” A small scholars rock might be put on a custom rosewood stand for your table or desk, while large ones might have an entire garden built around them. Their purpose is to inspire contemplation of their subtleties and nuance: their thinness, their perforations, their wrinkles and ridges, their color gradations. Scholars knew that not all wisdom comes from books. This piece is paired with calligraphy that reads “Tranquility Yields Transcendence.”

Not feeling that sentiment here? Customize it with any words of power and wisdom from my Calligraphy Shop ($25 upcharge for customized calligraphy; email me to start the conversation to find the meaning that is just right for you).

Original artwork is painted to order, PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY PIECE WILL BE UNIQUE TO YOU as the one shown here has already sold. This piece is a large statement piece (roughly 26 x 52 in.) that can come silicone backed and rolled (ready for framing by YOU); framed as shown (for local pick up only); or mounted on a large scroll. Click through the gallery here to see the original piece in various room contexts for scale. The large piece, framed, is FOR PICK UP ONLY. No shipping. All other options, rolled or scroll-mounted, can be shipped.