Carved type for Book from the Sky

1987–91

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

These pearwood blocks of movable type—here set within a gridded frame—are among the hundreds hand-carved by Xu to print the various scrolls and books for one of his most compelling works: Book from the Sky. The typeface, based on Ming dynasty (1368–1644) interpretations of a Song dynasty (960–1279) printing style (songti), is made up of squared lines with angular accents that make the carving of the characters more efficient. However, in spite of their authentic appearance, all of these characters are Xu’s inventions and they have no meaning.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

References

Title: Carved type for Book from the Sky
Artist: Xu Bing (born 1955)
Date: 1987–91
Culture: China
Medium: Pearwood
Dimensions: Racked type: 17 × 20 × 1 1/2 in. (43.2 × 50.8 × 3.8 cm)
Classification: Woodwork
Credit Line: Lent by the artist
Curatorial Department: Asian Art