A She Inkstone

17TH CENTURY

Details

A She Inkstone
17th century
Carved in the form of a recumbent water buffalo, the head with long curved horns turning towards the haunches, the small pale, irregular markings in the dark grey stone used to great effect to indicate the spotted markings in the hide of the the head and body surrounding the gently recessed belly which forms the grinding surface, the underside with a later inscription, Huai Yuan, and the date, bingzi year, fourth month, and signed Lifan, with one seal, Ren, for the late 19th century artist, Ren Lifan
6in. (15.2cm.) long, with stand

Lot Essay

For a discussion of water buffalo-form inkstones refer to Fang Jing Pei, Treasures of the Chinese Scholar, New York, 1997, p. 32, where the author mentions that "an ox or water buffalo traditionally symbolizes harvest, fertility, patience, diligence, and filial duty."

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