Description
This is a “handheld” rectangular Chinese duan ink stone; one of the “four treasures” of the Chinese scholars study. Duan stones are named after the Duan river in Duan prefecture which in present day would be Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. The name also comes from duan stones themselves, which are quarried in the same area. Duan stone is of a dark greyish color although those with a pinkish or black-purple hue are considered more valuable. Valued for its hard and smooth texture, it was used a tribute in the late Tang/early song eras and was highly favored by the literati and the imperial family.
This inkstone is incised on four sides in low relief with matching continuous wrapping motifs of 4 clawed dragons dancing amongst swirling clouds and surging waves. Depicted on the two lengthwise sides are opposing dragons are chasing a flaming pearl, a symbolic image that appeared as early as the Tang dynasty. The sunken surface of the slightly slanted grinding area is framed with overlapping clouds and waves with two opposing dragons at the bottom. The top depicts a hall or pavilion. The inset underside depicts two opposing dragons, one hiding among the waves while the other while the other floats in the cloud. The stone rests on a huanghuali stand supported by 4 small feet. The top capped off with a matching huanghuali convex cover with carefully rounded edges and rounded inner lip. Both the stand and the cover itself have been carefully constructed with the sort of care one applies when using a valued hardwood, a technique known as “Huanghuali gong” and are reminiscent of other smaller Huanghuali items (boxes, trunks etc.) from the same era.
A Ming duan stone also sourced from Japan and auctioned at Christies in 2014 has a similar stand and cover, constructed in the same manner. The rendering of these dragons are also striking similar to those found on 16th and 17th century porcelain, and the imagery of the dragon rising from the waves to meet one in the sky is a feature on Qing dynasty robes. The imagery, careful detailing and form combined with the use of Huanghuali makes it probable that this stone dates to the 17th century.
Japanese wood box with apocryphal label on the box itself.
Period: 17th century
Dimensions: (cm): 11 x 7 x 6
Dimensions (box): (cm): 16 x 10 x 12