The Ancient Tree Court 1871 - 1933

"The Ancient Tree Court" inkstone, carved by Jian Guzhai between 1871 and 1933, is a fine example of Chinese art. The inkstone depicts an ancient tree with gnarled branches and intricate foliage, a motif commonly found in Chinese landscape painting. The inscription at the top, "Ancient Tree Court," suggests the subject matter and the intended use of the inkstone for scholarly activities. This inkstone, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a small but intricately crafted piece, measuring just 2 9/16 inches wide and 4 3/4 inches long. Its carved surface would have been used to grind ink sticks, creating a rich, black ink for calligraphy and painting.