Antique Chinese Brass Scholar's Ink Box With Export Seal

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A rare antique Chinese brass ink box, dating late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880–1912). This circular portable container features a warm … Read more A rare antique Chinese brass ink box, dating late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880–1912). This circular portable container features a warm brass body with a copper base and retains traces of the original black lacquer ink inside. The lid interior bears a traditional red wax export seal stamped with Chinese characters reading "Officially Made Ink", a mark of quality for inksticks or ink paste intended for official use.
The exterior lid is engraved with auspicious talismanic symbols and very fine calligraphy, including a dedication that translates “Respectfully Presented by Xing Song” and a studio or collector's inscription, “Record of the Collection of Jixuan Ruoxu.” The underside is marked with the Chinese character for "Longevity" (壽), reinforcing its scholarly and symbolic purpose. This would have been used by a traveling scholar or civil official, and reflects the refined aesthetics and intellectual culture of Chinese literati life. See less