East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A gorgeous stone slice known as a dream stone or shih-hua boasting swirling hues of caramel, mocha, light grey, chocolate brown, and pearly white and set into a skillfully carved wooden pedestal frame. Dream stones, such as this example, are said to be natural "paintings" featuring unique depictions of heavenly landscapes, seascapes, and mountain scenes with each native inclusion suggesting misty mountains, lofty peaks, spiraling clouds, or meandering riverbeds. The espresso-hued wood frame accentuates the beauty of this piece, adorning the natural masterpiece with elegant openwork renderings of dragons with floral and vegetal motifs, while a red dot and a series of 4 black-painted Chinese character - likely stating the title of the piece - adorn the upper right area of the stone. Size (without frame): 9" Diameter (22.9 cm); (with frame): 12.8" W x 19.8" H (32.5 cm x 50.3 cm)

Cut from Dali marble found in the Cangshan mountains of western China and covered in a thin coat of wax, these stones were frequently hung in scholars' studios, perhaps serving the same function as Italian Renaissance studiolo paintings - an object of outward gaze that facilitates inward reflection and contemplation, an aesthetic exercise of the intellect. Being an object from the earth rather than a manmade painting, dream stones allow for a more natural lens through which one can ponder the inherent relationship of man, nature, and the cosmos. The art form of dream stones is centuries old and inherited from the Ming Dynasty. These celestial stones gained popularity in the 19th century when French collectors named these magnificent stone slabs "pierres de reve."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#168426

Stable fissure to wood frame. Otherwise, intact and excellent. Stone is set in wood frame, which is detachable from base.