A RARE 'JADE BELT' DUAN INKSTONE QING DYNASTY, 17TH-19TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, the dark purplish-brown stone encircled with a band of green and greenish-yellow inclusion evoking a jade belt, fitted zitan stand and cover

J.J. Lally & Co., New York, July 1987.

There is some light polishing along the edges, but otherwise the inkstone is in very good condition.
"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 present duan stone is distinctive for the attractive layers of green and greenish-yellow running through the more purple range of the material. The most cherished type of duan stone was the purplish-brown type, often reserved for making inkstones for influential scholars, sages and monks. Duan stone objects made for the scholar's desk represent a stylistically homogenous group, featuring exquisite use of the natural colours or patterns in the material.

Inkstones had a powerful symbolic meaning to the Chinese scholar and those with a 'belt-like' decoration represented the belt of the official, an auspicious symbol of a successful career in the civil service. This duan stone is also special because the greenish colouring of the belt would have represented the precious material jade, referring to an even more valued type of belt.