Inkstone

This Feng-character-shaped inkstone is made of fine, dark She stone with a delicate texture. The ink pool is carved with a lively scene of fish leaping over the dragon gate, while the grinding surface is broad and even. The gilded copper case is decorated with motifs from the ‘River Chart and Luo Writing’, with a sliding drawer under the rim designed to hold warm water. The base bears the inscription ‘Made in imitation of antiquity during the Qianlong reign’. The gilt-copper stand is chased with a design of ‘Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl’ and engraved with the raised mark ‘Made in the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing’.
Elegant in form and vivid in carving, this is a refined inkstone likely made for Emperor Qianlong’s personal use.