Pale Jade Inkstone

Along with paper, ink, and brush, the inkstone is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. A reflection of the scholar’s refinement and good taste, the inkstone was often a highly personalized item and given pride of place on a painting table or display shelf. Carved from a lustrous pale green jade, this inkstone has a rectangular form with a gentle slope to allow for ink flow. A shallow divot at one end of the stone provided a surface where a solid ink stick could be ground into a fine powder. Mixed with carefully-portioned water, the resulting ink could then flow into the hollow at the opposite end, ready for the calligrapher to use. Minimally decorated, this inkstone is adorned only by traces of an old iron staple repair that once mended a fissure in the stone and today imparts wonderful character to its simple form.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.