AN INSCRIBED IMPERIAL INKSTONE-FORM 'DRAGONS' INK CAKE BY LIU YUAN, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, THE INSCRIPTION QIANLONG, DATED TO THE GENGYIN YEAR (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1770)

in the form of a rectangular inkstone, one side carved with a pair of five-clawed dragons rising from swirling waves, all within a border of kui dragons, the reverse with an imperial inscription in lishu followed by two seals decorated in gilt reading bi de ('compare [oneself] to jade') and lang run ('bright and lustrous'), the sides of the ink cake inscribed in kaishu with a six-character reign mark and Suichu tang cang mo ('ink stored in the 'Pursue One’s Original Ambition Hall'')

A section of approx. 5 cm to the bottom has been restuck with only a few minute losses. There are a few other natural age cracks, some which are visible in the catalogue illustration. Otherwise the overall condition is still quite good.
"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 may be freely translated as such:

Its moulded well exists surely for the need to grind ink,
And as for where the inkstone comes from, it’s none other than Master Ink.
This new style has nothing to do with some skilful craftsman’s chance to boast,
For one can recognize that its special form exists in the very way thought works.
Though the source of their need to consort is yet so distant in time,
Host and guest now forget one another and none ever contends.
Since like attracts like, the attraction is certainly here,
So what is ground out with such mutual cooperation comes from Nature Itself.

The inscription continues: 

Liu Yuan was someone who lived during the early years of the Kangxi era. Stored in the imperial treasury are antique ink pieces made by him, among which are some in the shape of an inkstone. I have thus had these lines inscribed on it. Inscribed by the Qianlong Emperor in the 2nd decade of the 2nd month of spring in the year gengyin of the Qianlong Era.