Beautiful Scene Pavilion 1871 - 1933

"Beautiful Scene Pavilion" is an inkstone by Jian Guzhai, dating from 1871-1933. The inkstone, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a small, rectangular slab of stone with intricate carved floral designs and Chinese characters. Inkstones were essential tools in traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, used to grind ink sticks into a liquid form. This particular inkstone exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese inkstone making, showcasing elaborate decorative motifs that enhanced the aesthetic experience of ink preparation.