Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat (B. 1943) 2011

Ink on Arches paper, with calligraphy and one seal 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 I built my last Retreat in the Kunlun Mountains I searched for months to find a suitable site.  I finally found it just before dawn of the Summer Solstice.  I was climbing through a relatively shallow gorge and came across an Arcadian plateau as if stumbling through the Peach Blossom Spring.  Close to the edge of a mountain brook, its headlong rush halted by the level ground to no more than an urgent stream, there stood a tall, needle-like rock just a little taller than me.  It can only have been put there by some other hermit long ago, for it was not like any other stone in the immediate vicinity and was set on another flat stone to keep it upright and stable.  The juxtaposition of the two spoke of a human hand, and a sensitive one at that.  A Stone Fool!  As the sun rose, I noted where the first rays fell through the 'eye' at the top of the stone and marking the spot, there I built my home so that on the Summer Solstice the sun would rise above the cliffs that defined the gorge, and striking through the hole, light up the very centre of my door.  Year after year I was sitting there in the open door when it happened, unless I had a guest and invited him to do so instead.

Inscribed by the Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat in the Summer of 2011.