Su Suo Research

As an important branch of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting mounting,Suzhou mounting has great reputation since the ancient time.Along with the change of time and matter as well as the evolution of techniques,Suzhou mounting has developed a school of its own in the aspects of decoration style,material selection and skills,etc.,and has a profound influence on other mounting schools.Beside being as a technique,Suzhou mounting as the extension of calligraphy and painting works,the selection of its style is either instructed by the author of calligraphy or painting,or suggested by the owner of the work,reflecting an unique aesthetic paradigm.The formation of this kind of aesthetic paradigm is not only rooted in temporary artistic fashion,but also related to all aspects of social culture,which provides an opportunity for us to excavate the cultural change behind mounting techniques from the angle of social history of art.In ancient Chinese literature,excellent mounting craftsmen are often treated politely by the imperial clan,they are not only playing the function of mounting,but also activating in appreciation and trading of calligraphy,painting and other related activities.They came to market as families and individuals.They show up in the form of family or individual,enriching our understanding of ancient literary and art circles.While among mounting craftsmen in many regions,mounting craftsmen in Suzhou are most notable.