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Lot Essay
One of the inscriptions on the present inkstone incorporates an apocryphal Yuan dynasty date corresponding to the fifteenth year of the Zhizheng period (1355). It was a common practice to have apocryphal dates inscribed on inkstones in such a commemorative fashion. Following this inscription is the name, 'Jiefa', an official of the Yuan dynasty, and one carved seal reading 'Xiafu', which is possibly Jiefa's studio name.
The lengthy inscription on the opposite face notes that the present inkstone is well suited for grinding ink and would not damage the brush. Following this is the cyclical date Qianlong xinhai, corresponding to 1791, and the title Jurudanren, which may refer to the Qianlong period scholar Wu Shouzhao, who served as an official in numerous capacities, including that of Mayor of Beijing, to which he was appointed in 1777.
The lengthy inscription on the opposite face notes that the present inkstone is well suited for grinding ink and would not damage the brush. Following this is the cyclical date Qianlong xinhai, corresponding to 1791, and the title Jurudanren, which may refer to the Qianlong period scholar Wu Shouzhao, who served as an official in numerous capacities, including that of Mayor of Beijing, to which he was appointed in 1777.