Wood and Rock Handscroll, ink on paper Painting: 26.3 x 50 cm. (10 3/8 x 19 3/4 in.) Painting and colophons: 26.3 x 185.5 cm. (10 3/8 x 73 in.) Overall with mounting: 27.2 x 543 cm. (10 3/4 x 213 3/4 in.) Colophons by Liu Liangzuo (11th century), Mi Fu (1051-1107), Yu Xilu (1278-1368) and Guo Chang (1563-1622) Forty one collector’s seals, including one of Liu Liangzuo, twelve of Wang Houzhi (1131-1204), three of Yu Xilu, twelve of Yang Zun (circa 1294-after 1333), nine of Mu Lin (1429-1458), two of Li Tingxiang (1485-1544) and two of Guo Chang Colophon by Liu Liangzuo: It has been thirty years since Qiyun of Runzhou, the venerable Master Feng, resigned from his official position and followed the Way of Tao. Now in his seventies, his dark beard and hair ever glowing, he carries an elegant, calm air. As he showed me Wood and Rock by Dongpo [Su Shi], I hereby inscribe a poem for him, and still invite the respectable Haiyue [Mi Fu] to respond in the same rhyme. Liu Liangzuo of Shangrao. From ancient dreams a rock rises from the clouds, In vicissitude the wood sheds its skin; Its gnarled branches forever blessed by the heavens, Heroically defying worldly fates. Unrolling the scroll brings me so much joy, For true friends are rare behind closed doors. Such a sight exists in the garden of my home, Only embarrassed am I, to have forgotten to return. Colophon by Mi Fu: Fu, following the rhyme: Who can say what it is like at the age of forty? For three years, I haven’t had any new clothes made. In poverty one understands the dangers of life; In old age one feels the intricate wisdoms of Tao. Already too late to devote oneself to an official career, Not to mention how few souls truly know me. Delighted am I to find such refined company, In the autumn years of my life, I have yet to speak of returning home. Colophon by Yu Xilu: Having read Ode to Old Tree by Yu Zishan [Yu Xin, 513-581], I loved the incomparable sharpness of the language and tried to paint the old tree from my imagination, but to no avail. Now I see this painting by Dongpo where the proud, withered tree branches resemble giant creatures and dragons appearing and disappearing from stormy seas - a phenomenal result of the artist’s years of experience. I can almost see Zishan’s Ode coming to life! Master Liu of Shangrao and Master Mi of Xiangyang both composed fine poems; particularly, the calligraphy by Master Mi is most attractive. What a rare treasure combining both painting and calligraphy! On the occasion of Zongdao [Yang Zun] showing me this fine scroll in his collection, I hereby inscribe my joy upon seeing it. Yu Xilu of Jingkou. Colophon by Guo Chang: Withered wood, bamboo and rock by Su Changgong [Su Shi] with calligraphy by Mi Yuanzhang [Mi Fu] - a renowned work by two masters showcasing the finest achievements in both painting and calligraphy. A real treasure to be cherished! At the Pavilion of the Omniscient Mind. Jiayin year of the Wanli Reign (1614), two days after the Dragon Boat Festival.