brownish-purple stone carved into a large conch shell with high and low relief barnacles, clams and a small crab, all with yellow-green 'eyes', on both top and bottom

Ink Stone in the Form of a Shell, late 18th-19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Tuan stoneexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  2000.36.15

Not on Viewexpand_more

Carved overall in the shape of a conch shell, this small ink stone reflects late Qing dynasty taste for complex forms. The tuan stone is of characteristic purple tone and several of the naturally occurring yellow-green "eye" inclusions have been carved into the decorative scheme. The low-relief barnacles adhering to the top and bottom as well as the small crab perched near the well all feature a yellow-green "eye" inclusion in their center. These inclusions were prized features of tuan stone and were often given emphasis in the carved designs.

Details
Title
Ink Stone in the Form of a Shell
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.36.15
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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brownish-purple stone carved into a large conch shell with high and low relief barnacles, clams and a small crab, all with yellow-green 'eyes', on both top and bottom