Inking stone, Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Inked mineral stone "松花砚" (Songhua) carved. Rectangular in shape. The upper face has a concave, vase-shaped space, surrounded by a frame of raised scales and a protruding rim. The shape of the vase is pure and virtuous.

On the side is inscribed in relief "嶶州胡子卿製" "乾隆三十年造" (Made by Hu Qing in Jizhou / made in the year 30 of the Qianlong reign). And on the reverse a carved text indicating at the end "乾隆御銘" (Imperial inscription of Qianlong) and followed by two seals "幾暇悟情" and "得佳趣". 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 13.5 x 1.2 x 7 cm; Weight: 203 g