A SILVER WIRE-INLAID ZITAN INKSTONE AND COVER MING DYNASTY

of rectangular form with rounded corners, the cover carved with a rectangular panel containing blossoming prunus branches and an inscription reading an xiang fu dong yue huang hun ('a hint of fragrance floating in eventide'), bordered by a fine silver wire-inlaid band of stylised scrolls, the underside of the inkstone similarly carved with a recessed rectangular panel of flowering branches on a floret-diaper ground enclosed by a silver wire-inlaid keyfret border, signed Xuansu zhi ('made by Xuansu'), all raised on four short L-shaped legs, the long sides decorated with archaistic chilong in silver wire inlay, the short sides similarly inlaid with taotie masks

Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th April 2001, lot 532.

Some of the wire inlay has been restored, but apart from that, the overall condition is quite good. There are a few minute nicks to the edges. The actual size is about 10% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription may be translated as follows:

       An xiang fu dong yue huang hun.
       A hint of fragrance floating in eventide.

The short inscription is an excerpt from a poem written by the Song dynasty poet Lin Biu (697-1028). Lin (zi Junfu and hao Hejing, Hejing Xiansheng), a native of Qiantang (present day Hangzhou) in Zhejiang province, was renowned for his poetry and for being a recluse at Gushan on the West Lake (Xi Hu). He never sought office nor married but delighted in growing plum blossoms and keeping cranes which he referred to as his 'wife' and 'children' respectively. His poems are typically about the hermetic life and the tranquil state of mind. This excerpt is from one of his most famous poems titled Little Plum Blossom of the Garden in the Hills. The inkstone also bears the unrecorded wood carver's signature Xuansu zhi ('made by Xuansu').