Bamboo and Rocks《竹石图轴》

Zhao Ziyong (1786–1847)
Zhao Ziyong, courtesy name Mingshan and pseudonym Mingshan, was from Nanhai, Guangdong. He passed the imperial examination in the 21st year of Jiaqing (1816) and served as magistrate of Weixian County and prefect of Qingzhou, Shandong, where he was known for his good governance. After being dismissed from office, he made a living by selling paintings. An accomplished writer and horseman, Zhao Ziyong was particularly skilled in painting bamboo, capturing the spirit of Zheng Banqiao with either snow-laden or frost-covered bamboo, as well as slender and delicate shoots, all rendered with lifelike vitality.

“Bamboo and Rocks”
This painting depicts wind-swept bamboo beside a rock, with leaves rendered in varying shades of ink, swaying gracefully in the breeze. The lines of the rocks are strong and vigorous, conveying a sense of serene elegance. The inscription reads: “For the appreciation of Mr. Lanshi, by Zhao Ziyong.” The seals read “Zhao Ziyong’s seal” and “Mingshan.”

招子庸（1786—1847），字铭山，号明珊，广东南海人。嘉庆二十一年（1816）举人。曾为山东潍县知县、青州知府，有政声，后因事罢官归里，以卖画为生。文笔矫健，又善骑射。特擅画竹，有郑板桥风致，或雪干霜筠，或纤条弱筱，俱能得其生趣，非俗手所及。

此画绘倚石风竹，竹叶有浓有淡，随风摇曳，挺拔清润。石头线条苍劲有力，传达出悠然雅逸之趣。款署：“兰石先生鉴政，招子庸。”款下钤白文“招子庸印”、朱文“铭山”二印。