清 端溪圖端硯|Inkstone with Topographical Map of Duanxi
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Duanxi slate
Dimensions
H. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm); W. 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm); D. 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Classification
Inkstone
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Accession Number
2015.500.6.19
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite inkstone, crafted in the 19th century during China's Qing dynasty (16441911), hails from the renowned Duanxi region in Guangdong province, famous for producing the finest slate inkstones. Carved from premium Duanxi slate—prized for its fine grain, resonant "dragon cry" sound when rubbed, and ability to hold ink without drying—this rectangular piece measures a portable 8⅛ × 5⅜ inches (20.6 × 13.7 cm). Its shallow depth of just ⅛ inch (2.9 cm) reflects the precision of traditional stoneworking, making it a scholar's essential tool for grinding ink sticks in calligraphy and paintin...