Two Chinese Inkstones

[samsonlzj]

Dear all,

I’d like to share these two inkstones which I’ve long wanted to but never quite got the chance to get some decent photos done probably because I’ve been too focused on snuff bottles!

These two are among the first Chinese antiques I acquired, before I found an interest in snuff bottles. Got both from Japan. I’ve heard that as far as Chinese inkstones are concerned, many treasures had found their way to Japan during the Republic period (early 20th century) due to circumstances in China at the time. I’ve hoped these two were among them.

Years ago I asked a Chinese expert in miscellaneous Chinese antiquities who used to work for the Beijing Palace Museum as an associate researcher for her opinion on the slightly reddish one (the color is due to it being made of silt from the Yellow River, thus its name Chengni 澄泥硯 (being the kind of clay it’s known as) inkstone). I was told that despite the inscription of one of Qianlong Emperor’s poems is found on the top side of the inkstone, it’s circa early 19th century/Jiaqing (as we would sometimes see happening with snuff bottles) and its carving is quite well executed.

As for the goose Duan inkstone, I’m not sure really... Both inkstones show sign of wear and long use. Never came across anymore inkstones in the same style... It’s been really difficult to get an expert opinion on inkstones...

Best,
Samson

[Wattana]

Hi Samson,

Thanks for sharing!
The goose really appeals to me, although I think the quality of the 'Chengni' inkstone is probably better.
Both would sit very nicely on my desk at home!

Best,
Tom

[Fiveroosters aka clayandbrush]

Dear Samson,
Very nice inkstones! Congratulations.
I am not expert on inkstones (or more properly ink grinding stones) but to my eyes the goose shaped one has a Japanese feeling.
AS for the second one, I do not understand what has been told to you by the expert.
Has it been carved out from a stone or is it a ceramic ink grinder?
Talking of clay, sand, etc. it means that it is a ceramic piece.
If instead it is a duan stone, then for what I know those changes in color tone are highly desirable.
I have a Duan inkstone myself and a few porcelain ink grinder.
Kind regards
Giovanni

[George]

I am not an expert at all with inkstone, but watch them at auction all the time.

These are two extra nice stones Samson !

Wish I could help you with learning more about them, and look forward to reading more posts about these in addition to what Giovannie has shared...

Big congratulations !

[samsonlzj]

Thanks guys! Inkstones are indeed an area where research is particularly challenging as there doesn’t seem to be any international enthusiast community on the internet like our forum for snuff bottles. Nonetheless it’s great to see your positive comments about my inkstones!

Giovanni, the second inkstone is not made from duan stone according to my understanding. It’s not even carved from a stone. It’s a form of pottery made from the Chengni clay which is a silt extracted from the Yellow River. Such type of inkstones are among the so-called “Big Four of Inkstones” together with Duan inkstones and another two types which name I can’t quite remember.

Best,
Samson

[samsonlzj]

The goose really appeals to me

Me too Tom, I’ve been getting goose for dinner everyday...

Best,
Samson

[Wattana]

The goose really appeals to me

Me too Tom, I’ve been getting goose for dinner everyday...

Best,
Samson

Just be careful which one you're biting into.

Best,
Tom

[OIB]

Samson,

Congratulations for having these two pieces ! And thanks for sharing with us. Both are equally eye-pleasing, but I have a bias for the goose ( like Tom, either of them will sit well on my table too ! ).

I like the calligraphies especially the long Qianlong poem on the Duan one. They are neatly packed within the space. I just feel funny to see the words above the two duck feet which come out of no where 😁😁

Inn Bok

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Dear Samson,

     You know my affinity for 'Goose'! I doubt anyone on the Forum, certainly those in East Asia, can doubt it, anyway!
I love both, but must admit that I did not realise that there were 'Inkstones / Ink Grinding Stones' that were not from Duanstone.
Both are beautiful. Congratulations.
Best,
Joey

[Ogleforth]

Hi Samson,

Thank you for sharing your beautiful inkstones. The goose is gorgeous, but I'm more drawn to the Chengni piece. The two remaining "Four Famous Inkstones" are She, a variety of black slate from Shexian in Ainhui & Jiangxi Provinces, and Taohe or Tao inkstones made from crystalline stones from the bottom of the Tao river in South Gansu, mostly in shades of green that mimic jade and are quite rare.

I'm also surprised that there isn't an inkstones collectors group. I love the diversity available. The ink sticks themselves are often quite exquisite and collected as well.

Best wishes,

Stacey

[samsonlzj]

Dear all,

Thank you!

Best,
Samson