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AN INSCRIBED IMPERIAL OCTAGONAL INKSTONE-FORM INK CAKE YUMING MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
Estimate
180,000 - 200,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- inkstone
the black ink cake with a central circular concave 'grinding surface' surrounded by a gilt-decorated border of carp and mythical animals among waves, the reverse inscribed and gilt with an imperial poem followed by Qianlong yuming and two seals reading bide and langrun, one of the octagonal facets inscribed in kaishu in relief chen Zhengrui gong jin ('respectfully presented by your humble servant, Zhengrui'), another with fang bachengyan tang Chengni ('copying an octagonal Tang Chengni inkstone')
Condition
The ink cake is in overall good condition, except for a few retouched areas (max. 1.2 cm) to the edges. There are also some typical age crackles and expected tiny nicks.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This superb imperial ink cake encapsulates the importance of ink cakes as decorative art objects, treasured not only for their utilitarian value but also as treasured possessions of the literati elite, particularly during the Qing dynasty. It has been formed to resemble an inkstone, which would have satisfied the Qianlong Emperor’s taste for the novel. The Qianlong yuming (‘Emperor Qianlong’s imperial composition) mark suggests this inkstone was produced specifically for the enjoyment of the emperor.
The inscription ends with the signature of Zheng Rui (d. 1815), an important Manchu official from the Plain White Banner clan. He held a number of prominent official positions including Yuanming Yuan Yuanchen (Administrative Assistant at the Yuanming Yuan, 1769-73), Suzhou Zhizao (Director of the Textile Bureau in Suzhou, 1789-91) and by the end of his life he attained the position of Neiwufu Dachen (Grand Minister of the Imperial Household Department in the Forbidden City). A spinach-green jade Wufu Wudai Tang plaque, with an imperial inscription to commemorate the Hall of the Five Blessing in Five Generations, also presented by Zheng Rui and signed Zheng Rui jingshu, was sold in our New York rooms, 17th September 2013, lot 122.
The inscription ends with the signature of Zheng Rui (d. 1815), an important Manchu official from the Plain White Banner clan. He held a number of prominent official positions including Yuanming Yuan Yuanchen (Administrative Assistant at the Yuanming Yuan, 1769-73), Suzhou Zhizao (Director of the Textile Bureau in Suzhou, 1789-91) and by the end of his life he attained the position of Neiwufu Dachen (Grand Minister of the Imperial Household Department in the Forbidden City). A spinach-green jade Wufu Wudai Tang plaque, with an imperial inscription to commemorate the Hall of the Five Blessing in Five Generations, also presented by Zheng Rui and signed Zheng Rui jingshu, was sold in our New York rooms, 17th September 2013, lot 122.