Songhua inkstone in melon shape, Qing dynasty, Kangxi reign (1662-1722)-China Archive

Image Number: K1F001380N000000000PAB
Dynasty: Qing dynasty
Category: Studio implements
Function: Stationery
Material: Minerals/Jade Jewelry/Songhua Stone
Description:
Irregular long dark green inkstone, slightly yellowish. The inkstone and the cover are carved into a long melon shape with the same stone. They are divided into two parts near the center of the sidewall. The edges of the inkstone are left with cutting marks. The part near the base of the melon is carved into a corroded shape, which can be used as a decorative inkstone. The stone is moist, and the inkstone surface falls into the shape of a bulu, leaving a thick oval on it to make an ink hall, leaving ink marks, and remaining polished smooth. Inkstone and cover both have different natural stripes. The back of the inkstone is carved with melon arris, and the leaves and vines are embossed. One leaf is complete and the other is etched. The seal script is engraved in the shade on the right side of the center: “Made in the reign of Kangxi”. The irregular long dark green inkstone cover is carved with melon edges and embossed with melon leaves and vines. One leaf is complete and the other has erosion marks. A reed shaped groove is carved into the cover, which can be used as a pen target. This piece was included in the “Western Qing Inkstone Manual”, which was once used by the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (probably the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty).