Solid Boxwood Carved Lotus Pod Inkstone Case Matched with Tao River Stone Lotus Scholar Inkstone, Qing Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions: 9.5 cm (3.74 inches) wide, 4 cm (1.57 inches) high, total weight 590 grams. A Qing Dynasty scholar's desk ornament from the 17th to 19th centuries. Condition and Provenance: The boxwood box is intact, without cracks, insect damage, or missing carvings. The natural two-tone wood grain is deep gold, covered with a thick, aged patina. All carved leaf veins are intact, without defects or wear. The Haohe inkstone is of fine and solid quality, with the lotus seed carving around the grinding pool intact. The inscription "Yao Yuanzhi's Collection" in running script on the back of the inkstone is clearly legible, without hidden cracks, fillings, or modern polishing marks. This set of inkstones was originally collected by a Jiangnan scholar and is now in the possession of a private antique collector in Brooklyn, New York. New York and Vancouver are among the most important international trading centers for ancient Chinese scholar's desk items. Description: This complete Qing Dynasty inkstone set includes a hand-carved wooden box and an original stone inkstone, a precious desk ornament for ancient Chinese literati. The wooden box is carved from a single piece of boxwood, its shape mimicking the natural round lotus leaf and pod. The center of the lid is adorned with a spiral lotus bud, while deeply carved radiating veins encircle the entire surface, creating a textured interplay of raised and recessed areas. The natural patina of the wood creates a striking contrast between deep brown and golden yellow on the surface. The lid and body fit together perfectly, without any gaps. The lifelike carving captures every detail of the lotus leaf. Inside the box is a vibrant green Hama River stone inkstone, its shape echoing the natural wavy contours of the lotus leaf. The smooth grinding surface in the center of the inkstone is made of soft, dense, blue-green stone with a fine texture, ensuring even ink distribution. The back of the inkstone is inscribed with the flowing running script "Treasured Collection of Yao Yuanzhi," a mark attributed to the renowned Qing Dynasty literati and artist Yao Yuanzhi. The lotus flower motif symbolizes good fortune, integrity, and the prosperity of offspring. The inkstone and boxwood carving complement each other perfectly, forming a complete original piece that showcases exquisite wood carving craftsmanship and top-quality inkstone material. This inkstone is both a practical writing tool and a beautiful decorative art piece, possessing extremely high value for collectors of ancient Chinese scholar's study objects, inkstones, and classical wood carvings.

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