A RARE WUCAI INKSTONE, WANLI MARK & OF THE PERIOD (1573-1619)

拍品描述

A RARE WUCAI INKSTONE, WANLI MARK & OF THE PERIOD (1573-1619) The inkstone is of rectangular form, solidly potted with straight sides and a recessed underside, the base bearing a blue six-character Wanli mark within a double rectangular border. The upper surface is worked with a shallow circular grinding well, its worn and stained face testifying to practical use, while the thick rectangular frame gives the object a compact and architectural presence. The exterior sides are brightly decorated in wucai enamels with scrolling floral sprays, the palette combining underglaze blue with overglaze iron-red and green details. The ornament is lively yet contained within the narrow vertical sides, providing a vivid contrast to the more austere, functional upper grinding surface. As an object associated with the scholar’s desk, the inkstone occupies an important position within the materials of calligraphy and painting. While inkstones were more commonly made from stone, a porcelain example of this type reflects the technical and decorative ambition of late Ming ceramic production, translating a utilitarian literati object into a refined courtly or elite ceramic form. The Wanli period is particularly noted for bold decorative schemes and the extensive use of wucai enamelling. Here, the restrained rectangular format is animated by floral decoration around the sides, while the marked base confirms the period attribution supplied in the title. A rare Ming wucai porcelain inkstone, notable for its Wanli mark, scholar’s-table function and unusual ceramic interpretation of a traditional writing implement. Length x Width: 11.5 x 9cm

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