AN ARCHAISTIC INSCRIBED DUAN INKSTONE WITH RUBBING INKSTONE: MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG RUBBING: DATED 1954

of square section, the duan inkstone masterfully applied with green and russet lacquer in imitation of patinated bronze, each side of the exterior bearing an archaistic animal mask issuing a loop handle between a pair of confronted mythical beasts, all on a scrollwork ground, carved around the edge of the recessed base with verses in clerical script and signed Qianlong yuti, followed by one seal, de chong fu ('Sign of Virtue Within'), the base centred with a square enclosing archaic script characters, yi zisun ('To Benefit Future Generations'), wood base and cover; together with a rubbing of two views of the inkstone

Shiqu Tang Yan ('Tang dynasty stone inkstone')
ink on paper, mounted hanging scroll 
dated jiawu, corresponding to 1954
inscribed Shiyu jianshang ('appreciated by Shiyu') and with three seals

An old Japanese family collection, Kobe (by repute).

As visible in the catalogue photo and on the rubbing, there are bruising and shallow chips to the underside of the footrim. There is an approx. 2 cm retouched area to the upper rim, with other minor areas of bruising. General surface wear throughout with minor loss to detail. In 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."

Compare a similar square inkstone made of refined clay, also dated to the Qianlong period, preserved in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Treasures from the Chinese Scholar's Studio, Kyoto, 1992, cat. no. 11.