The mammoth tusk composition "An old Man playing the Erhu" presents a scene of a quiet human moment filled with the wisdom of past years and the tranquility of the inner world. In front of the audience is an elderly musician sitting on a simple wooden bench and enthusiastically playing the erhu, a traditional Chinese two—stringed instrument known for its soulful and melancholic sound.
The master conveyed the image with amazing vividness and warmth. The old man's face is lit up with a soft smile, his eyes are closed, as if he is completely immersed in music. One leg is raised on the bench, the instrument rests on his knee, and his hand confidently guides the bow along the strings. There is an attention to detail in the folds of clothing and patterns of fabric, and in the pose itself there is the naturalness and relaxation of a person for whom music has become a part of life.
Next to the musician, a small dog lies on a wooden floor — a faithful companion, calmly watching its owner. A small pumpkin flask placed on a bench complements the stage, giving the composition a domestic authenticity and a sense of rustic simplicity. The light mammoth tusk allows the master to reveal the finest plastic of the carving, emphasizing the expression of the face, the shape of the hands and the texture of the clothes. The contrast with the dark base enhances the artistic expressiveness of the work, turning it into a poetic image of a peaceful life, music and human harmony.