19th Century Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone Rare Form on Display Stand

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A stunning Taihu scholar stone in an unusual horizonal balanced form perched on a custom wood stand. The stone, in … Read more A stunning Taihu scholar stone in an unusual horizonal balanced form perched on a custom wood stand. The stone, in a nearly pure greyish white color, display a weathered smooth surface with visually arresting natural geological characters. The characteristic surface showcases and a large number of interlinked grottoes of various sizes. Known as Linglong Taihu, the grotto-punctuated surface form naturally, polished and eroded by running water on the bottom of Taihu Lake. This makes the piece particularly desirable by the seasoned collectors. The stone took a striking balanced tilted form, perching on a larger base and a smaller "foot". The exotic shape is open to the viewer's imagination. From different angles. the stone reveals itself differently in form and details. The horizontal carved wood base plays a critical role in supporting and balancing the rock as well as an aesthetically integral part of the overall design. The stone itself is about 16" high.
Stones such as this from Taihu Lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. Perhaps one of the most popular stone types due to their exotic form and various colors, they have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a mini form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi "worshipped stone" and in the west, sometimes known as Spirit Stone. With their exotic shape with and curious cavities and surface texture, these stones were highly appreciated as an inspiration to contain the nature in human's adobe. See less