Short description of the item and its origin This is a lobed (petal-shaped) porcelain tea stand / tray (壶承), of elongated form with a raised, double-line rim and a slightly recessed central field. The surface is hand-painted in underglaze blue with a gnarled rock and bamboo branches and leaves, rendered in a literati-style brushwork. A two-character inscription in a seal-like script appears at one end, with the artist's signature beside the rock. The piece is attributed to the contemporary Chinese artist Liu Geng (字曲周／曲洲, studio names 静古、煙霞山房), from Yishui, Shandong, who is known for his traditional ink painting and calligraphy. Collector's Value & Benefits Literati aesthetic: The rock-and-bamboo combination is a classic motif in Chinese literati art, symbolising endurance, integrity and scholarly refinement. Contemporary hand-worked piece: Made by a working artist with an established background in traditional painting and calligraphy, offering collectors an accessible entry point into contemporary Chinese studio ceramics. Practical and decorative: The lobed form and recessed field make it suitable as a teapot stand or tea-table accessory, and it also works well as a display piece in a scholarly setting. Dimensions (in cm) Length: 23.5 cm Width: 15.2 cm Thickness: 1.1 cm Weight (in grams) 1000 g Shipping method Shipping & International Duties: ●Based on our inventory storage locations, we ship our items from either Japan or Europe to destinations worldwide. ●All porcelain items are individually packed with extreme care, using cushioning materials to protect the rim and painted surface during transit. However, once the package is handed to the carrier, we cannot be held responsible for delays or for damage caused by rough handling or sudden changes in temperature and humidity during international transit. ●DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping included: To provide you with a smoother shopping experience and premium logistics service, all import duties, taxes (VAT), and customs clearance handling fees incurred in your destination country will be fully covered and paid by us. You will not have to pay any additional customs fees upon delivery. ●Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. About the artist Liu Geng (courtesy name Quzhou / Quzhou, studio names Jinggu and Yanxia Shanfang) is a contemporary Chinese painter and calligrapher from Yishui, Shandong. Trained through advanced programmes at the Chinese Academy of Arts and the China Academy of Art, he has studied under scholars and artists such as Chen Shouxiang and Ji Weizhai, and has long devoted himself to traditional painting, calligraphy and classical literary culture. His work is rooted in the Song and Yuan traditions, with an emphasis on refined brushwork, scholarly restraint and literati spirit. He currently serves as a director of the China Huaxia Culture Research Association, a painter at the Yan’an Academy of Painting, and an invited painter for China Calligraphy and Painting magazine. His writings have appeared in various publications, and he has held solo exhibitions including Jigu Juhua – Quzhou Works Exhibition and Xishan Xungu – Quzhou New Spring Exhibition. Collectors acquiring a piece by Liu Geng are not only obtaining a hand-painted porcelain work, but also a small extension of contemporary Chinese literati art, with potential for cultural appreciation and long-term collecting interest.