Graceful Literati Charms

Chinese classical carving art represents the essence of ancient Chinese art, achieving great accomplishments across different carving categories and historical periods. The subjects are rich, the styles are diverse, and they possess a strong sense of national and temporal flavor. For example, the bold and vigorous style of the Qin and Han dynasties, the robust and graceful beauty of the Wei and Jin periods, and the splendid elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties. Scholarly items, in particular, serve as a microcosm of Chinese classical carving art, conveying the emotions and wisdom of Chinese literati.
The inkstone is the most treasured item in the study, always considered the soul and core of scholarly tools. It stands alongside the brush, paper, and ink as one of the four treasures of the study. The origin of the inkstone can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, when pottery and other items were decorated with various pigments. The earliest inkstones were merely pigment grinding bowls made from grinding rods and surfaces. While the inkstone is primarily a tool for grinding ink, it has many other uses as well. There are two main types: those for daily use and those for decoration or collection. In ancient China, finely carved and inscribed inkstones were often presented as gifts or tributes to royalty and scholars, such as the four famous Chinese inkstones known for their high quality: Duan inkstone (端硯), She inkstone (歙硯), Taohe inkstone (洮河硯), Chengni inkstone (澄泥硯).

This collection features a variety of exquisite scholarly items, primarily inkstones, reflecting the development of Eastern history, the spirit of traditional culture, and the philosophical ideals of Chinese literati.