Ink Cake with Architectural Design
Unknown Artist
1736–95
Medium
molded ink
Dimensions
2.4 × 13.4 cm
Classification
Miscellaneous
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Henry W. Kent
Accession Number
1942.212
About this artwork
In China, access to political power was granted to those who passed the civil service examinations, a system that offered official service only at a high level of education. Chinese literati-officials, whose daily routine involved administrative work in an office, enjoyed precious objects on their writing desks that offered distraction and demonstrated good taste. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, these utensils of the literati studio also became collectibles and were treas...