Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat (B. 1943) 2010

ink on cotton paper with calligraphy and three seals of the artist, framed

The overall condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Inscription:

When painting strange stones it is often difficult to remember whether one is painting the stone, its empty spaces of perforation, or the strange creatures that inhabit its surface and engage one in conversation from time to time.   Sometimes I paint from memory all the many wondrous stones I have encountered among the collections of the ten thousand Stone Fools, including my own, but sometimes I just imagine them.  Either way, I find strange creatures awaiting my every brush-stroke.  Heaven recently invited me to tea, but I declined preferring to remain in my studio and continue to meet such pleasant beings.  To commemorate my preference, I adopt a new studio name: Wangsheng zhai (The Studio for Catching Life in One's Net) – I borrow it from the artist Wang Yun, whom I once met on a visit to the Yellow Mountains, who was Master of the Wangsheng tang.

Inscribed in my final days of living in Bangkok in the early summer of 2010.