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Lot Essay
Lingbi rock, also known as ‘Qing rock’ or ‘Bayin rock’, is quarried from Mount Qingshi in Anhui Province. Quarrying has a long history, with records of its use for stone chimes appearing as early as the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Appreciation of Lingbi rock as an object of scholarly taste began in the Tang dynasty and flourished in the Song, prized for its noble quality. The Ming scholar Wen Zhenheng, in his Changwuzhi, remarks: ‘Among stones, Lingbi is considered the finest, followed by Yingde. Both are highly prized and difficult to acquire.’
This extraordinary natural Lingbi rock captures a moment of dynamic energy, its form evoking a trailing cloud emerging from a mountain gorge. It assumes a precipitous and awe-inspiring appearance, resembling a majestic lion with head raised in a heaven-startling roar. The surface is defined by a network of crevices and wrinkles, covered in a sturdy, weathered patina of deep grey. When struck, it emits a resonant, clear tone—a lingering sound reminiscent of jade chimes in harmony. Scholars have long delighted in contemplating such stones, finding within this microcosm the essence of painting, poetry, and landscape. The tradition of naming one’s study after a prized stone attests that the collecting and connoisseurship of Lingbi rock represents the ultimate expression of scholarly refinement.
The historical CITES paperwork for this lot is not available and it will not be possible to obtain CITES export permits to ship it to addresses outside Hong Kong post-sale. The item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office. Please contact the department for further information.
This extraordinary natural Lingbi rock captures a moment of dynamic energy, its form evoking a trailing cloud emerging from a mountain gorge. It assumes a precipitous and awe-inspiring appearance, resembling a majestic lion with head raised in a heaven-startling roar. The surface is defined by a network of crevices and wrinkles, covered in a sturdy, weathered patina of deep grey. When struck, it emits a resonant, clear tone—a lingering sound reminiscent of jade chimes in harmony. Scholars have long delighted in contemplating such stones, finding within this microcosm the essence of painting, poetry, and landscape. The tradition of naming one’s study after a prized stone attests that the collecting and connoisseurship of Lingbi rock represents the ultimate expression of scholarly refinement.
The historical CITES paperwork for this lot is not available and it will not be possible to obtain CITES export permits to ship it to addresses outside Hong Kong post-sale. The item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office. Please contact the department for further information.