Beautiful Chanting Hall 1871 - 1933

"Beautiful Chanting Hall" (1871-1933) is a small inkstone by Jian Guzhai, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The inkstone is intricately carved with delicate scrolling vines, floral motifs, and Chinese characters. It would have been used in the traditional Chinese practice of ink-grinding, a crucial part of brush painting. This piece exemplifies the skillful craftsmanship and aesthetic appreciation of Chinese art during the late Qing dynasty. Its small size and elaborate detail highlight the importance of refinement in this artistic tradition.