73.

Xu Bing (b. 1955)

Egg-like Stone no. 2

1987

Etching

49 x 52 cm

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Xu Bing’s technical virtuosity always surprises. This etching, made around the same time as Longyang Gorge No. 1 (no. 72), could not be more different in style and feeling. The beautiful stone sits alone against a dark background; not a solid black, as it first appears. The background is carefully shaded and lined, the distance between lines narrowing from the top down until they disappear. The significance of the stone being tied with rope is unclear.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number xuvbv016