Ink Tablet with Thousand-Year Fungus Motif 1871 - 1933

This ink tablet, made of inkstone, features an intricate design of a pine tree carved in relief. The tree, often a symbol of longevity and resilience in Chinese art, is depicted with meticulous detail, showcasing the skill of the artist Cheng Junfang. Inkstones, used for grinding ink for calligraphy and painting, were often adorned with decorative motifs. This particular ink tablet, dating back to the 17th century, was crafted during the Ming Dynasty and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.