**Originally Listed At $500**

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely ink stone carved from precious nephrite jade and inscribed underneath. The dish is rounded with a flat base, and 3 columns of script while the upper surface is unadorned, and the natural beauty of the nephrite is fully appreciated - the pale green of the reservoir is sheer and glows when illuminated from behind. The flat surface is surrounded by a thick rim and at one end the stone slants into a shallow reservoir. Solid ink sticks are ground into the flat area as water is added gradually, the liquid ink then runs into the reservoir for dipping the calligraphy brush. Chinese traditionally grind in a circular motion, and in certain lighting a circular wear mark is discernable in the center of the stone. Size: 5.5" Diameter x 0.75" H (14 cm x 1.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#172215

Stable fissure radiating from rim with several abrasions and chips to rim. Rest is intact and excellent.