Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat (B. 1943) 2012

ink on cloud-dragon and xuan paper, with four seals of the artist: Shuisongshi shanfang (‘The Water, Pine and Stone Retreat’), Xiezhang laoren (‘The old man who carries the staff’), Renmomo momoren (‘Man grinds the ink; ink grinds the man’), and The Sage in the Lotus (pictorial seal), mounted as hanging scroll

The overall condition is extremely 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:

Among the Cascade Master’s seven vine-staves were two Riven Reality staves.  I have always found such staves to have intriguing powers.  Difficult to control, once mastered they can be extraordinary at cloud control and communicating with birds and beasts.  One of them was the only staff he was reluctant to let me use, not because he did not want me to know its powers, but because he knew it to be a one-man staff, mischievous and difficult in any other hands than his.  I saw him demonstrate its command over beasts when we were once in a market place in the nearest town, only a few days journey from his mountain retreat, gathering some provisions for the winter when he came across a forlorn looking monkey in a small cage.  It had obviously been mistreated and the coarse fellow selling it was advertising how large its head was and what a tasty brain it must contain.  My friend sat down in the dust not far from his cage, holding his staff firmly across his lap, pointing at the monkey and seemed to doze off.  The monkey suddenly came out of its lethargy, looked up brightly, checked that the stall-holder was not looking, and putting his nimble fingers through the bars of his cage, began to dismantle the make-shift lock as if he knew precisely how it had been put together.  Opening the door, he slipped out and disappeared behind some stalls, then jumped onto a nearby roof.  As we left the market, he bounded down from another house and took up a position beside the Cascade Master.  He followed us all the way home, and lived free around the Master’s home for many years, feeding on tidbits and keeping the old boy company when he happened to have no other companions.

Forbidden Falls

All seven of his vine-staves bore names related to cascades and this one was no exception, but because of its nature, he called it ‘Forbidden Falls.’  I paint it now from memory, but even though I did not wield it, I had handled it often to feel its force, and knew its surface by heart after my long sojourn in the mountains with its owner.  Inscribed by the Master of the Water Pine and Stone Retreat at the Terrace of the Edge of the Universe in the overcast spring of 2012.