Qing Dynasty Inscribed Lingbi Viewing Stone "Remote Shadow of Empty Mountain" Scholar’s Peak

拍品描述

Dimensions: Overall Height 67.5cm (26.57in), Maximum Width 50cm (19.69in), Qing DynastyCondition & Provenance: Category: Chinese Scholar’s Rocks & Miscellaneous Works of Art, primary trading hubs New York and Vancouver. This stone was part of the private collection of Cole Richardson, a seasoned antique Oriental art collector based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. He acquired this specimen at Sotheby’s New York dedicated scholar’s rock auction in 2017. The stone formed entirely through natural geological erosion; no artificially carved perforations, glued repairs or restorations exist. Fine natural fissures run through the stone surface, which are inherent weathering textures rather than damaging breaks or missing stone sections. The whole rock carries glossy jet-black aged patina with golden-brown mineral veining scattered across its surface, the stone skin is smooth and silky, and it produces a clear, resonant musical tone when tapped. A cursive Chinese inscription "Remote Shadow of Empty Mountain" is deeply carved into one side of the stone, paired with the signature "Du Mu". The carving strokes are ancient and fluid, all original antique engraving with no later rework or fake carvings. It comes with an original solid ebony custom stand hand-carved with rolling cloud wave patterns and four sturdy feet; the wooden base is fully intact without cracks, insect damage or wear, finished with a smooth antique wood patina. Full archival materials accompany the piece: original Sotheby’s New York auction catalog, official authentication certificate issued by the North American Scholar’s Rock Society, and complete US cross-border art import filing records.Description: This monumental Qing Dynasty Lingbi stone vertical peak is a museum-grade hall display scholar’s rock, quarried from Qingshan Mountain in Lingbi, Anhui Province. Lingbi stone ranks first among China’s four classical viewing stones, celebrated for its musical resonance, deep black color, sculptural natural shape and organic texture. The stone boasts a robust, full-bodied silhouette with well-distributed layered contours rising vertically. Interconnected natural perforations of varying sizes run through the whole form—large open cavities create transparent voids, while smaller hidden hollows add depth, fully embodying the four core aesthetic standards for Chinese viewing stones: slender form, abundant perforations, layered recesses and wrinkled texture. The rock’s deep ink-black surface is coated in thick, glossy natural patina built up over centuries of gentle handling, interspersed with golden-brown natural mineral veins that create striking light and shadow contrast. There is no modern paint or artificial staining; every glossy finish is formed by hundreds of years of natural water and wind weathering. An original antique carved poetic inscription remains preserved on one side of the stone. The four cursive characters "Remote Shadow of Empty Mountain" evoke a tranquil reclusive mountain landscape aesthetic, alongside the artist’s signature Du Mu. The carving depth and soft calligraphic lines confirm it was etched by an ancient literati owner, adding irreplaceable historical and cultural value to the specimen. A custom solid single-piece ebony hardwood stand supports the stone at its base, hand-carved with undulating cloud wave relief that perfectly fits the stone’s bottom contour. Four grounded feet deliver stable balance, and the wood stand’s antique patina harmonizes seamlessly with the stone’s dark aged finish. Complete matched stone and stand sets from the Qing era are exceptionally rare on the market. True to Lingbi stone’s signature trait, the rock emits a clear, distant chime when tapped lightly. It was a core decorative treasure for ancient Chinese literati studies and formal reception halls. The poetic title delivers a profound reclusive landscape mood, combining outstanding visual display value, unique acoustic properties and tangible historical documentation. This specimen is highly sought-after by American, Canadian and overseas Chinese collectors specializing in classical Chinese literati antiques, standing as a top-tier intact Lingbi stone surviving from the Qing Dynasty.

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