slightly irregular rectangular shape; 2 wells inside base; base concave on bottom; cover decorated with lightly incised flower and star shaped leaves surrounded by a scrolling border

Ink Stone and Cover, 12th-13th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Duan stoneexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  2000.34.3a,b

Ink stones began to be carved with decorative designs at least as early as Sung. This has a cover decorated in classic Sung style with an enframed hibiscus blossom. Relatively naturalistic, the design was likely inspired from similar themes found in contemporary album and fan paintings. Small double compartment inkstones such as this were often used to grind the colored pigments used in paintings.

Details
Title
Ink Stone and Cover
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.34.3a,b
Curator Approved

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slightly irregular rectangular shape; 2 wells inside base; base concave on bottom; cover decorated with lightly incised flower and star shaped leaves surrounded by a scrolling border