A large carved Chinese inkstone 硯 (yàn), of elongated rectangular form with rounded corners, carved from dark stone. The upper surface is elaborately worked in high relief with a sinuous dragon emerging among swirling clouds and waves. The dragon coils around the circular ink well, its body detailed with finely rendered scales and its head prominently carved to one side. Along the outer edge is an incised inscription in archaic-style Chinese characters. The underside is recessed and carved with a lengthy poetic inscription in Chinese characters. Dimensions: Length 41 cm, width 24.5 cm, depth 4.5 cm. Period: China – 20th century In very good condition with minimal traces of age, including surface wear and minor irregularities. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.