Scholar Stones

Lingbi Scholar's Rock

Period

Qing dynasty or earlier

Origin

Lingbi, Anhui

Dimensions

Height 28 cm including stand

A dark, resonant lingbi stone, wrinkled and hollowed, set on a carved hardwood stand. The Chinese scholar kept such stones on the desk as miniature mountains — objects for looking, not for use. This one has a strong vertical thrust and a quiet, ink-like surface.