Rare elephant-shaped scholar's rock

Lingbi stones have been the most prized and highly regarded stones by Chinese literati since the Song dynasty. Excavated from deep underground in Qing Shan area in northern Anhui, the Lingbi limestone has an extraordinarily high density which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when being tapped, leading to its association with ceremonial music. The Heavenly Temple (Tiantan) in Beijing, for example, has a well-preserved set of Lingbi stone chimes. Lingbi stones are also cherished for their deep color and lustrous surface with a moist appearance at times. These rocks often feature intricate and evocative forms, calling the viewer to contemplate nature and to inspire reflection.

The small rock in this box has a soft and gently worn surface, with a shape reminiscent of an elephant’s head. It is subtly set against a print after Eadweard Muybridge’s Elephant; walking, juxtaposing an ancient form with a modern image of the revered beast.