Early 20th Century Large Chinese Scholar Lingbi Stone on Wood Stand

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One of the most visually arresting Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) we … Read more One of the most visually arresting Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) we have ever had on offer. A massive block of naturally formed wonder displayed on a custom double tier wood stand, circa Qing dynasty 19th century. The specie of Lingbi stone features a near black surface that was perfectly weathered by elements for millennium. Smooth in general, the surface was punctuated by dramatic wrinkles, furrows and folds and exhibits many interconnected grottoes. The poetic formation suggests a three-peak mountain range with internal caves. It is a visual pleasure to meditate on this rock. Lingbi stones originate from a series of mountain peaks in Lingbi County, Suzhou Prefecture in northern Anhui Province.
Scholar stones are priced by the collectors for their four qualities: shou (thinness), zhou (wrinkles), lou (hollowness), and tou (transparency). The history of collecting and appreciating interesting stones among the literati in China began as early as the 13th century in Yuan Dynasty, and it continued to this day. These stones were highly priced for their form and shape, which were considered containing the spirit of nature. They were displayed in the scholar's studio for meditation. See less