Ink tablet inscribed “Three Rarities Hall” 19th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating object from the 19th century, an ink tablet attributed to Jian Guzhai, with an inscription that translates to “Three Rarities Hall.” Editor: The level of relief carving is incredible! And look at that dragon, coiling almost ethereally through clouds. It has such a weight to it, like compressed potential energy. Curator: Absolutely, the dragon is quite striking! This tablet invites a deeper conversation about the very materiality of art production in 19th century China. Think about the labor required to carve this intricate design, the careful selection of ink, and the societal structures which supported these artistic practices. What kind of hand made it? Editor: It’s remarkable how something functional like an ink tablet becomes a symbolic object in itself. The inscription "Three Rarities Hall" gives a clue; what "rarities" were held there? Are we talking art, philosophy, powerful members of court or scholars who might also engage in politically disruptive writing and rhetoric? Who held the social capital, what were the rules? And look closely; is it really just a dragon, or the embodiment of the imperial power in this period? The use of symbolism is intentional, a means of negotiating power in ways which would skirt censorship. Curator: Precisely! And note how ink transcends its utilitarian function, here it speaks volumes about identity, status, and cultural capital. The choice to carve instead of paint is also incredibly deliberate - the inscription takes a stance, creating dialogue between calligraphy and imperial China’s politics, a stance for the ages. Editor: Thinking about craft then, this ink tablet challenges any simple distinction between fine art and functional object. Its materiality reflects the artistic vision, sociopolitical climate, and a commentary on the complex network in which meaning is made. What a statement for this time! I hadn’t anticipated engaging on all this today... Curator: Nor did I. This really highlights the layers of context we bring to viewing something which seems as straightforward as an ink tablet. What a pleasure to draw attention to the many layers of work which came before.