Tall Elegant Chinese Scholar Rock Yellow Taihu Stone on Wood Stand

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A very tall and slender Chinese scholar rock of Taihu type in an elegant Lingzhi mushroom form well-balanced on a … Read more A very tall and slender Chinese scholar rock of Taihu type in an elegant Lingzhi mushroom form well-balanced on a custom-carved wood stand circa late 19th century. Being exposed to the flowing water of Taihu Lake for millennium, the surface of the rock has been polished and weathered to mostly smooth yet still maintains some slightly rugged edges and points at places. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating visually complex positive and negative spaces for a meditative mind. Viewing from different angles, the stone reveals distinct silhouettes and reflect the light wonderfully due to its intricate surface. Furthermore, the color of the stone is of a near pure yellow with little incursion of other colors results from mineral deposits as one often found in other stone. The stone is a remarkable work of art created by mother nature. The stone itself is about 34 inches high.
Stones from Taihu lake was among the four famous scholar rocks since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came into vogue. Later on, smaller specimens were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a miniature form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi ("worshipped stone") and in the west, known also 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