Inkstone; circular depression; smaller oval hole; floral carving; 12 cm x 8.5 cm
Donor:
Niloufer Hirschmann Ichaporia and University Appropriation
Collection place:
Hong Kong
Verbatim coll. place:
China, Hong Kong (from Mainland China)
Collector:
Niloufer Hirschmann Ichaporia
Collection date:
March-May 1977
Materials:
Slate (rock)
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Carvings (visual works)
Function:
7.1 Writing and Records (including religious texts)
Context of use:
Ink and water are mixed on the surface in preparation for Chinese calligraphy. This specimen is regarded as commonplace. Serious collectors in this category would not bother with it since it does not show intricacy of carving. Probably used in villages, although not by average agriculturalists. Origin: Mainland China. Purchased at curio/ 2nd hand shop.