Dear Casey,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry and for the new images.

This item is:

A rare hand carved Chinese Inkstone from 18th century. Chinese inkstones are traditional tools used in East Asian calligraphy and painting. Inkstones are essential for grinding solid inksticks into liquid ink, which is then used with brushes for writing or painting.

The history of inkstones in China can be traced back over two thousand years. Initially, ink was ground on various materials such as pottery, wood, or metal. However, stone inkstones gradually gained popularity due to their durability, smooth surface, and ability to retain the ink.

The process of making an inkstone involves carefully selecting the raw material and carving it into the desired shape. The quality of an inkstone depends on factors such as the type of stone, texture, color, hardness, and the presence of natural patterns or veins. Some inkstones feature intricate carvings or decorative motifs, as in this one with calligraphy.

Retail prices may vary

Good condition