The Mirroring of Antiquity Hall 1871 - 1933

"The Mirroring of Antiquity Hall" is an inkstone, a traditional Chinese writing implement. The black stone features intricate carvings of a pavilion, a drum, a gourd, and a decorative motif. The inscription "学古鑑" (xué gǔ jiàn), meaning "to learn from the ancients and reflect," speaks to the significance of tradition and scholarship in Chinese culture. The piece was created by Jian Guzhai, a prominent artist of the Qing dynasty. This inkstone, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of Chinese calligraphy tools.