Detail View: National Palace English: Inkstone in shi-qu pattern from Han Dynasty brick

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Inkstone in shi-qu pattern from Han Dynasty brick

Han Dynasty

B.C.206

A.D.220

12 Han Dynasty (206 B.C.~A.D.220)

China

Length: 23.1 cm; Width: 13.6 cm; Thickness: 6.4 cm

Pottery

Yan (ink-stone)

Studio accessories

The National Palace Museum, Taipei

The inkstone is rectangular in shape and has four foot-knobs on which there is engraved decoration of a beast face. The channels, as named, are the sunken borders surrounding the ink-face and converge into a rectangle on the upper end of the ink-face. The ink-slab is purple and permeated with red and occasionally green shades. It has such a refined texture that it reveals a glossy surface. The inkstone's rim is embossed with a pattern of continuous circular pattern of geometrical figures, commonly found on early bronze wares; but is now almost indistinguishable. The left and right sides are each embossed with two horn less dragons. The top and bottom sides are each embossed with one horn less dragon. The back is caved in and divided into two layers of decoration. The upper layer is carved with a pattern of reeds. The middle is an engraved inscription in zhuan-shu (seal style) that writes, "A treasure for literary officials." Besides the inscription is a poem composed by emperor Qianlong, with the heading: Composed during the spring of the fourth reign year (in western calendar: 1739). A seal that writes, Yungbao yungzhi, follows. It is said in the Inkstone Classics that, "The incision and inlays on this inkstone is extraordinary refine, demonstrating excellent techniques. The stone has marks that reveal the color of precious gems, and has solid quality like ancient ding and I. Compared to the same kind of inkstone that appears in Tang dynasty, this is more majestic."

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Lee & Lee Communications