The Far and Great Studio 1871 - 1933

"The Far and Great Studio" is an inkstone carved by Jian Guzhai in China between 1871 and 1933. The inkstone is made of black stone and features an intricate design of writhing dragons amidst swirling clouds. The inscription on the inkstone, "Far and Great Studio," suggests its use in a scholar’s studio, where it would have been used to grind ink for calligraphy and painting. This small, detailed inkstone exemplifies the craftsmanship of Chinese artisans. Inkstones like this are currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.