Small ink rubbing stone in zitan box

A small ink rubbing stone of rectangular, almost square format, the stone completely unadorned and the centre sloping downward towards the top to form a cavity. The stone is of uniform black colour and shows plenty of signs of use. The inkstone is contained within its original zitan box and cover.

Together with ‘treasures’ such as a brush, ink and paper, the inkstone is required for handwriting.[1] Ink was produced by grinding an inkstick against a stone and adding a little water to the resulting powder.[2]

Provenance: Private collection, Germany

1. Clunas, C. and Harrison-Hall, J (eds) Ming, 50 years that changed China, BM exhibition catalogue, 18 September 2014 – 5 January 2015, p. 169
2. Clunas, C. and Harrison-Hall, J (eds), ibid, p. 169