Clear Void Tower 1871 - 1933

"Clear Void Tower" is an inkstone, a type of Chinese artwork used for grinding ink. Created between 1871-1933 by Jian Guzhai, the inkstone depicts a mountain with a pagoda at its base, and a carved inscription in Chinese characters on the upper portion. The black stone was carved to resemble a natural landscape, highlighting the importance of nature in Chinese art and calligraphy. The small size of the artwork is typical of inkstones, which were made to be easily transported and used. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this example of Chinese artwork.