Description
Book SynopsisIn 1626, Bada Shanren is born into the Chinese royal family. When the old Ming Dynasty crumbles, he becomes an artist, committed to capturing the essence of nature with a single brushstroke. Then the rulers of the new Qing Dynasty discover his identity and Bada must feign madness to escape.
Trade Review'The book is 110 pages (and 11 of those are pictures), but - much like one of Shanren's paintings - contains far more than its small compass might suggest.' Brandon Robshaw, INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY ------- 'Delicate and moving.' Boyd Tonkin, INDEPENDENT -------- 'Intriguing, elegant, awesome in its precision and uplifting in its sheer beauty, this is a book to read, enjoy... and then read again.' Pam Norfolk, LANCASHIRE EVENING POST ------- 'The author's cool, succinct prose and use of short chapters enhance the meditative nature of this beguiling story, which interweaves art theory, history, metaphysics and narrative.' SHELF UNBOUND ------- 'A powerful, poetic book. A two-hour enchantment.' KULTURSPIEGEL
