This is one of the few categories handled by TK Asian Antiquities that does not consist of antiquities. Dali Dreamstones, Fantasy Marble, Stone Paintings and Viewing Stones are but a few of the names given to this recently revived art form which primarily utilizes stone quarried from the Cangshan Mountains of Yunnan Province, in Southwest China. The nineteen peaks of this towering massif, which essentially surround the ancient city of Dali and beautiful Lake Erhai, are famous for their clouds, snow, streams, flora and, most of all, their marble. It is documented that Dali Viewing Stones have been prized and contemplated from as early as the Tang Dynasty (c. 618 - 906 CE) and it was even stipulated by the Southern Song Dynasty (c. 1127 - 1279 CE) court that a portion of the Dali Kingdom's tribute be paid in this stone. In the late Ming Dynasty, one of China's most famous scholars and geographers, Xu Xiake (c. 1600 CE) wrote that the select pieces of variegated marble found in Dali dwarfed all paintings and that all other displays of paintings should be closed. One poem states that the Dali Viewing Stones were, " so exquisite, marvelous and picturesque that no painting can compete with it. The great variety of color and patterns present the life of man and the beauty of Nature, as nothing else can." It is unfortunate that during the mid-twentieth century most all of the documentation relating to the individuals and organizations for the study and appreciation of this art form, along with the majority of collections accumulated over the ages were destroyed. Basically, the knowledge and the art of this field have been lost to most all of the last two generations. Additionally, only a handful of people have retained a "Master's" ability to "discover" the masterpieces of art still hidden within Cangshan. It has been fascinating to note that during this recent revival, with only the most nominal of information being available, virtually every socio-economic and educational level, as well as all age groups, that have encountered these marbles have marveled at and then generally purchased at least one example upon their first viewing! However to further assist in enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of the Dali Viewing Stones, we at TK are continuing our studies and collecting, with the hope of publishing a fairly comprehensive text, combined with a number of museum and gallery exhibitions in the coming year.
.jpg)
