The ink rest is carved from a single block of zitan in a scrolling keyfret form with curled ends. The upper surface is decorated with three chilong amidst clouds within a recessed cartouche. Its elongated form suggests that it may also have served as a scroll rest.
A zitan ‘chilong’ ink rest (Qing dynasty, 18th century)
Description
Dimensions:
12.5 cm long
Provenance:
Maria Kiang Chinese Art, Hong Kong
A private European collection
Published:
Maria Kiang Chinese Art, Objects for the Scholar’s Desk, Hong Kong, 2016
The ink rest is carved from a single block of zitan in a scrolling keyfret form with curled ends. The upper surface is decorated with three chilong amidst clouds within a recessed cartouche. Its elongated form suggests that it may also have served as a scroll rest.
The chilong, or hornless dragon, is an auspicious motif associated with strength and protection, its sinuous form lending itself particularly well to carved decoration. In the scholar’s studio, ink rests supported ink sticks between use, while scroll rests held rolled scrolls, combining practical function with the refined appreciation of fine materials and craftsmanship.
Additional information
| Period | Qing dynasty, 18th century |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.5 cm long |
