Landscape carved in low relief

Decorative rocks embellished with mountain scenes were often kept as ornaments on the desks of scholars. The unknown carver of this stone skillfully utilized its natural form and fissures in creating the composition. The crane, bat, and deer seen here are common Chinese symbols of long life, happiness, and wealth, and carry overtones of popular Daoist belief. With its knotty pines and swirling clouds, the scene may depict a mountain paradise inhabited by gods and immortals.