Antique Chinese Duan Green Hard Stone Inkstone/Ink Stone with Carved Bird & Well (Code 0913)

A Chinese green Duan inkstone.  It is of rectangular form with a flat section for grinding and a well at the head.  Around the head is a stylistic carving of a bird with wings outswept in flight.  The well has an undercut to help prevent losses of the ink solution.  The stone is typical of the green Duan type with some marbling, there is also a more sandy coloured area and at the head end a darker inclusion.  There are no character marks that I can detect.  Collectors will know that dating these items is problematic, I have shown this to two other people who have experience of inkstones and both suggested a mid 19th century period for the production as the most likely.  It is unlikely to be an earlier piece, but also does not appear to be one of the more recent reproductions which are now found in large numbers.  It certainly has signs of use and age.

 

Some nick indents to the grinding face.  Slight damage to the underside of the undercuts in the well.  Signs of general use and wear.  Slight nicks to the edges with one slightly larger to the upper left top. 



Approx Dimensions


Length: 11 cm ( 4 3/8 inch )

Width: 7.5 cm ( 2 7/8 inch )

Weight: 418 grams (before packing)



Stock Code:  0913 NV17-2