Cherishing Elegance Studio 1871 - 1933

"Cherishing Elegance Studio" is a small, intricately carved inkstone by Jian Guzhai, dating from 1871 to 1933. The inkstone, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, depicts two dragons intertwined amidst a swirling cloud background. The fine detail of the carving is visible in the subtle scales of the dragons and the delicate curves of the clouds, highlighting the artistic skill of the artist. This inkstone, a prime example of Chinese decorative art, would have been used by scholars and artists for preparing ink for calligraphy and painting, making it a cherished tool and a symbol of elegance.