East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine "gongshi" also known as a scholar's rock or stone, this example is a naturally formed piece of gray stone mounted on a wooden base. The rock was collected and displayed because of its striking appearance - naturally shaped by time, wind, and/or water with layers and veining that resemble wispy clouds or rivers running down a hill. The term "scholar's stone" is traditionally used to describe rocks of a distinctive shape, color, and texture, with an appearance impressive enough to be deemed fitting for meditation in a scholar's studio or to display in a garden. Stones such as this were prized for their resemblance to mountains, landscapes, texture, and even the resonance tone when tapped. A manuscript published in 1613 titled "Suyuan Shipu" by Lin Youlin, cataloged rocks and petrified wood that were suitable as scholar stones, with descriptions and illustrations of over 200 types! Size of stone: 24" L x 5" W x 6.5" H (61 cm x 12.7 cm x 16.5 cm); base: 27" L x 7.5" W (68.6 cm x 19 cm)

Gongshi are part of the Chinese tradition of venerating beautiful stones which extends back to the Neolithic, when prized geological specimens were placed into tombs as offerings. In the Song Dynasty, Chinese writers composed essays and catalogues dedicated to rocks; artists began to paint them in elegant compositions that celebrated their natural qualities as evocative of larger forms in the landscape like prominent mountains or mythological creatures like dragons. A Chinese scholar would have displayed this example in his studio so that he and other members of the literati could contemplate its contours.

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177608

Chips and nicks to stone and some stable fissures near edges. Wood base has some scuffs and chips but is intact.