MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Details

A MASSIVE INSCRIBED 'PINE' DUAN INKSTONE
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The rounded inkstone is carved in relief with pine branches and a hovering bat on the outer-edge of the top surface, surrounding a broad grinding surface recessing to a deeper inkwell. The exterior sides have a textured surface. The reverse side is finely incised with a figure standing beside two goats, underneath the three characters, Jianguang ge, 'Jianguang Pavilion'. Further inscribed to one side with a later carved signature, Zi'ang, and seal, Zhaoshi. The stone is of a reddish-brown tone.
15 in. (38 cm.) long, zitan-veneered wood stand and cover, Japanese wood box

Provenance

Su Zhu An Collection, Kyoto

Literature

Komaiken: Tankei, vol. II, Tokyo: Nigensha, 1975, no. 116

Exhibited

The Gotoh Museum, Chugoku no Meiken, Tokyo, 1977, no. 108

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Lot Essay

The figure with two goats represents the legendary character, Su Wu, a loyal statesman of the Han dynasty who according to Chinese history had endured his captivity by the Xiongnu by herding sheep before returning to his homeland.

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