During the Tang Dynasty — an era noted in Chinese history in which more time devoted to leisure was greater than in the past, where art, philosophy, and science leapt forward — scholars took up the practice of seeking out small-scale rock formations from nature, often from the depths of caves, which represented a microcosm of the universe. Placed in the scholars’ studies or areas of creative work, the stones became contemplative windows to existing and imaginary worlds. These dirt-made sculptures were attempts to mimic similar forms. The dark calligraphic marks were remnants of bleached out areas on the photographic emulsion. 

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