Ancient Chinese regarded inkstone as crop land inkstone, one of the four precious stationary items, was also the carrier of much inspiration and creation of which blossoms amidst each character of ancient scholars’ works. Ardent favor is evident when Famous poet Su once wrote in Replying Rhyming - a Heavy Rain Encountered by Kong Yifu after Long-time Drought: “I have no cropland but depend on an inkstone, while no ink comes from it recently.” Revealing the deeply rooted ties between the ancient scholars, the linguistic arts, and inkstone itself, its essence the soil-like presence, sprouting thousands of years of wisdom, ever the kindler and cradle of of ancient Chinese human minds. Inkstone is a continuous evolution of spiritual demands and aesthetic standards of a number of ancient Chinese scholars.

More than 300 squares of inkstone bearing time-honored pits collected by Mr. Lin Gang over the past 20 years, together with over 40 pieces of sculptures of Chinese zithers, are brought to you in this exhibition. The combination presents a grandiose impressive scene of inkstone. It is a creative installation art form which shows Mr. Lin's respect and reflection of “rites” and “Tao” - the essence of traditional Chinese culture. Furthermore, it is an artistic expression of his unique understanding of psychological philosophies and the cultural arts in Chinese civilization. Such a clash shall blend hues of traditional culture with contemporary civilizations, shall trace every curve on the river of mankind’s ever-evolving civilization. It also portrays the evolution of the aesthetic standards in China and the spreading routes of civilization advancement in modern society. Images of the two items from ancient times create both contrast and consistency. Inkstone whispers and tickles at the heart, leaving it trembling in memory, and strength amidst strings of the zither dance in melodious echoes. Thus, converse across time unlocks. It’s code abroken by the keys of art, raw and most brilliant, and a worldly humane desire. the spiritual meaning coveted by mankind living in a world of universal civilization and harmony is shaped. Hereby, though different, the yellow and blue civilization of our mankind arrives at the same destination. Vague as the path may be, it allows us to calmly broaden our meditation over the remote spatio-temporal tunnel trekked by our mankind's civilization.

Thus, the rendezvous of inkstone and Chinese zither is out of not only interests and love but also looking into the spiritual territory where human civilization thrives from distance.

Words afew, as ones truly, and ones of good hopes to this exhibition. May my words open your preface.