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Hi everyone,

I have an interesting find, something I have never seen before so I am hoping someone here can illuminate my mind to this piece. Its an ink stone/stand? I am familiar with ink stones which are usually flat carved slabs but as a stand its strange. It has small bubbles in it which makes me think it is a kind of resin but its as heavy as a stone. I am sure someone will find one on aliexpress as I am sure its modern but its got a section with some script, does it say anything interesting (I think I can see 'Qianlong nian zhi' but obviously not period)? Do they normally make ink stones out of resin to immitate Duan? Thank you!

D.D.

This is an old fashioned ink stone with pedestal.
Inscriptions,
佳氣生朝夕　
清言見古今
Fine air generates the days and nights
Simple words tell the past and present
(An old Chinese couplet)

(I can't decipher the characters inside of the cartouche shaped marking)

乾隆甲午仲夏翁方イ岡書
In Mid-Summer of Qianlong Year of Wood-Horse (1774) Written by Wēn Fānggāng

I share your opinion about the possibliity of resin.

With regards,
I.Nagy

I. Nagy,

Again, thank you so much for the translation! Ah ha! I knew I saw Qianlong written there... but alas not mark & period! :( I have never seen anything like this before but Ink stones aren't my area of expertise.

D.D.

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