Duan - Inkstone - China - Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) or Later

A Rare Duan Inkstone
Ming Dynasty or later, China
L10×W4.8×H1.1 cm

A finely worked rectangular Duan inkstone carved from a dense purplish-brown Duan stone, displaying attractive natural mineral banding in shades of deep plum and dark greenish-grey. The inkstone is of elegant and understated form, with a recessed grinding surface and a slightly raised ink reservoir at one end.

The stone exhibits the characteristic silky texture of Duan material, allowing for smooth ink grinding. The subtle color transitions across the grinding surface highlight the natural beauty of the stone and reflect the aesthetic preference for refined simplicity associated with scholar’s objects of the Ming period.

Inkstones of this compact size were especially appreciated by scholars for personal use, travel writing sets, or desk arrangements within the scholar’s studio.

The overall form is restrained and balanced, emphasizing the natural qualities of the stone rather than elaborate decoration — a hallmark of refined literati taste.

A similar example in the collection of Shaanxi History Museum:
https://www.sxhm.com/collections/detail/11612.html

Provenance:
Acquired from a French private collection in 1980's, Paris

Condition:
The inkstone is in good overall condition consistent with age. Minor surface wear and natural abrasion are visible on the grinding surface from historical use. The edges show small chips and minor nicks, particularly along the sides and corners. There are also small natural stone inclusions and slight irregularities typical of Duan stone. The underside shows light wear and tool marks consistent with traditional hand finishing. No structural cracks or repairs observed.


Shipping worldwide by EMS, usually 7-14 days to deliver.