A Bronze Drum-Shaped Weight Late Ming / Early Qing Dynasty

the solid, heavily cast weight of drum-shaped form, the upper surface cast with a separate, slightly concave, circular grinding surface surrounded by a gutter-shaped ink-pond, the bulging sides with simulated studs at the top and bottom, the patina of a mottled yellowish colour, the flat base inscribed 'Twenty-five taels, the Guo Company of Yanzhou'

Knapton Rasti Asian Art Ltd., London, July 2002.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are bruises and scratching to the surface.
"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 on this rare bronze suggests that its primary purpose was as a weight to measure silver taels and that the separate grinding surface allowed it to be filled with an appropriate amount of lead to counter-balance twenty-five taels (liang).  The liang is sometimes translated as an ounce, but is the Chinese tael, which although it varies, equals plus/minus 575 grains of silver.  The actual weight here is exactly 32 oz. and the avoirdupois ounce contains 437.5 grains, so 25 taels comes to approximately the same number of grains of silver as 32 oz., confirming the primary function of this piece as a weight, even though it may have been intended to double as an inkstone.  The tiny difference between the actual weight and its declared weight may result from a different measure for the liang from the most popular ones, but it may also be the result of a tiny amount of bronze having been removed by wear on the base and loss from the grinding surface. 

It was not unusual for scholar’s objects to serve several functions at once (paperweight, brushrest, miniature sculpture) but the combination of a weight with a functional objects, in this case an inkstone, is rare.  There can be no doubt that the piece has been extensively used as an inkstone, since the grinding surface is extremely well worn, and has a different patina from the body of the piece.