Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

Chinese Flora and Fauna Inkstone, c. 1850

$1,480
£1,123.59
€1,285.15
CA$2,067.77
A$2,299.82
CHF 1,200.89
MX$27,986.32
NOK 15,337.23
SEK 14,383.62
DKK 9,591.55
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only functional, but also beautiful. One of the "Four Treasures of the Study," inkstones such as this were used to mix dry ink with water for use in calligraphy painting. This 19th century inkstone is carved with a water well that follows the shape of the auspicious birds and flowers that define it. The minimal design is framed by subtle beading, in turn framed by the inkstone's original hardwood case.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CAF1681stDibs: LU820016885811

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Handheld Ink Block, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese innovations in ink, block printing and movable type fed the technological push toward expanding the written word's range of influence throughout the world. This printing push...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Elm

Chinese Guardian's Tail Inkstone, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only functional, but also beautiful. One of the "Four Treasures of the Study," inkstones such as this were used to mix dry ink with water for use in calligraphy painting. This 19th century inkstone is guarded by a mythical fu dog, or shizi, depicted with open jaws and a long mane of flowing curls. Resembling a Buddhist fly whisk...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Literati Tea Tray, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite 19th century tray reflects the Qing-dynasty literati's taste for fine materials and balanced proportions. Once used to serve tea or hold scholarly implements, the tray is...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Sign of Honor, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A 19th century northern Chinese sign of honor presented to an esteemed scholar on his 80th birthday. The large characters in the center read (from right...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Materials

Elm

Chinese Eternal Youth Sign of Honor, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This monumental lacquered elmwood sign of honor was carved in northern China during the mid-19th century. The large central characters read as "Wu Zheng Ever Green", and loosely tran...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ink Slab Stone Tray, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Minimal and austere, this stone tray exemplifies the refined beauty sought after by traditional Chinese scholars, who filled their studios with objects that inspired creative thought...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Minimalist Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

You May Also Like

Antique Ming Dynasty Chinese Inkstone
Located in London, GB
This inkstone is from the Ming dynasty in China, and would have been used to grind hardened 'inksticks' of pigment into paint through a process of rubbing and mixing with water. The...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Carved Chinese Inkstone with Longevity Symbols and Marks
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black carved Chinese inkstone with an conforming oval cover circa early 20th century (late Qing to Republic period). The inkstone appears to be slate stone and was likely a She type (SheYan), one of the four famous inkstones in China that comes from She County (Anhui Province) and Wuyuan County (Jiangxi Province). It features a slight scalloping edge with elaborate surface carving that depicts the Sanxings (three beloved gods): Fu, God of Fortune (top right), Lu, God of Prosperity (top center holding a Ruyi staff) and Shou, God of Longevity (center on the lid who is holding a magical peach and a staff with a gourd with a deer at the back) . A towering evergreen pine was placed on the left with scrolling clouds and bats (the sound of bat in Chinese is Fu, the fortune). A famous Chinese couplet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

19th Century Chinese Inkstone
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A 19th century Chinese Inkstone. The upper part decorated with floral lotus motives serving as water basin. The Inkstone was one of the four principal ele...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Vintage Chinese Wood Carving Auspicious Square Plate
Located in 景德镇市, CN
Vintage Chinese Wood Carving Auspicious Square Plate – Traditional Symbol of Blessings & Prosperity Add a touch of cultural elegance to your space with this Vintage Chinese Square P...
Category

20th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimensions: Height: 12.5cm. Width: 28.5cm. Depth: 17.5cm.
Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Rosewood Calligraphy Duan Inkstone with Brush and Dragon Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese rosewood calligraphy duan inkstone with brush and dragon motif, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chip...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone