A limestone scholar's rock, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Lot 1141, A limestone scholar's rock, Qing dynasty (1644-1911); 6 in. (15.2 cm.) high. Estimate $30,000 – $50,000. Price realised USD 125,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2016
The rock is composed of several striated layers suggestive of a thick stalk of bamboo. The hardwood base is inscribed by Qu Yingshao (1780-1849), inscribed hardwood stand, Japanese box.
Provenance: Kagedo Gallery, Orcas, Washington.
Literature: S. Little, Spirit Stones of China, the Ian and Susan Wilson Collection of Chinese Stones, Paintings, and Related Scholars' Objects, Chicago, 1999, no. 36.
S. Little, "Spirit Stones of China: The Ian and Susan Wilson Collection", Orientations, May 1999, p. 38, fig. 13.
A. Wong (ed.), Tea, Wine and Poetry: Qing dynasty literati and their drinking vessels, Hong Kong, 2006, p. 127, no. 42.
Exhibited: The University of Hong Kong and China Institute Gallery, Tea, Wine and Poetry: Qing dynasty literati and their drinking vessels, 1 December 2006 - 4 February 2007 and 29 March 2007 - 16 June 2007.
Note: The inscription on the stand is a four-syllabled prose referring to the present rock by Qu Yingshao (1779-1850), stating that he acquired this rock, which resembles bamboo, from the market at Wumen, and that he inscribed the stand to commemorate this acquisition.
Christie's. THE IAN AND SUSAN WILSON COLLECTION OF SCHOLAR'S OBJECTS, 17 March 2016, New York, Rockefeller Plaza