AN INSCRIBED 'DUAN' INKSTONE ATTRIBUTED TO RUAN YUAN, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG – DAOGUANG PERIOD

skilfully carved in the form of a bamboo segment with two internodal sections detailed with sprouts, one side carved with a recessed well with a beaded rim, the reverse with a deeper concave cavity, possibly intended to act as a grinding surface and a water well respectively, the double-sided inkstone well carved with five bats with outstretched wings, one side engraved with a lishu inscription reading shen jing wei yong shi shen yong nian ('Employing tranquility to obtain longevity') and signed Ruan Yuan followed by a seal mark reading Bo yuan, the stone of a greenish-grey colour highlighted with pale green circular markings, wood box and cover, the cover decorated with a celadon jade carving of a floral bloom, the interior of the box and cover lacquered back

Kaikodo, New York, October 2001.

Inkstone: As visible in the catalogue photo there are minor nicks to the edges, especially the upper rim and bruising to the underside and edges. Wood box and cover:There is a small chip of approx 1.5 cm to the inner rim of the box, general surface wear and scratches.
"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."

This inkstone bears the seal of the eminent scholar-official Ruan Yuan (1764-1849). A number of carved stone pieces bear his name, suggesting that they may have been made under his patronage. However, little is known of the process of Ruan’s own output and whether he inscribed anything himself or had other skilled calligraphers engrave his inscriptions. For Ruan’s biography see Arthur W. Hummel, Eminent Chinese of the Ch’ing Period, Taipei, 1991, p. 399.

A huashi, formerly in Ruan’s collection and bearing his personal seal, was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1741. See also a 'dreamstone' marble panel table screen, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2013, lot 155, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection.