Lingbi scholar’s rock, China, 18th or 19th century. Height (including stand): 12.7 cm, Width: 12.7 cm. © Ben Janssens Oriental Art 2023

A finely balanced limestone miniature rock formation of diagonal form with two “plateaux” extending from a small base. The rock supported on a small, carved wood stand, which is original. The material is of a dark grey, almost black tone and has some pale grey striations.

Provenance: The collection of Paul Bromberg, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Note: In China, Chinese Scholars’ Rocks or Spirit Stones are called Gongshi, naturally formed or “sculptured” stones in surprising shapes and textures. Gongshi have been appreciated by Chinese connoisseurs for more than a thousand years. As early as the Tang dynasty (618-907) scholar-officials and persons of refined tastes began appreciating their unusual forms by placing smaller sized rare rocks in their studios for indoor viewing. To Chinese scholars, these rocks represent a focus for meditation of religious or philosophic principles and serve for contemplation prior to writing poems or painting. Lingbi County, where this rock is from, is a county in the north of Anhui Province, bordering Jiangsu province to the north and northeast. It is under the administration of Suzhou city. Scholar’s stones are generally karstic limestone.