An Inscribed Duan Inkstone, 18th Century, dated by inscription to 1744. Photo courtesy Michaan's Auctions

Of dark purplish-brown color and in the shape of a pointed archway, with a shallow double-arch shaped well, the front side with a lengthy inscription by Kang Tao, the reverse inscribed and signed by Yi Bingshou, the sides with additional inscriptions, accompanied by two fitted wood covers. Length: 6 7/8 inches (17.5 cm). Estimate: $10,000/15,000. Sold $6,490.00

Provenance: San Francisco private estate collection. This superb collection was primarily acquired from Sotheby’s Hong Kong and New York during the 1970s and 80s.

Michaan's Auctions. Fine Asian Works of Art Auction. Sunday June 23, 2013, 10am. http://www.michaans.com