White Hsuan-te reign mark inkstick with dragon design, Ming Dynasty, Hsuan-te period (1426-1435)-China Archive

Image Number: K1F001566N000000000PAB
Dynasty: Ming dynasty
Category: Studio implements
Function: Stationery
Material: Plants/Ink/
Description:
Bulltongue type rectangular white ink with circular arcs at both ends. The surface of the ink has become dirty, but its original decorative design can still be observed. It is a fine cloud dragon pattern that is fully decorated with the ink surface, and words are imprinted on the surface. One side is molded with the official script of “Yumo”, and the other side is filled with the word “Xuande” in gold. As far as the development of ink history is concerned, attention has been paid to the diversification of ink patterns and decorations, which can be said to originate from Luo Xiaohua in Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty, followed by Cheng Junfang and Fang Yulu. As far as physical objects are concerned, ink in the early Ming Dynasty also has simple cow tongue shaped patterns and decorations, such as the courtyard collection of “Ming Xuande Dragon Fragrant Imperial Ink” (hence article 1342). However, the words “Imperial Ink” on this ink are slightly skewed. The part of the character “Imperial Ink” and “Yu” looks like a “city”, and there are beads decorated at the longan. Therefore, it is suspected that it may be made after Xuande in the Ming Dynasty. This piece was placed in the “Qing Dynasty Hundred Treasures Embedded Stationery Box” (hence lacquer 522) together with 14 other cultural relics in the Qing Palace.