Express Elegance Pavilion 1871 - 1933

"Express Elegance Pavilion" is an ink cake by Jian Guzhai, dated 1871-1933. The cake is made of black ink and features a delicate floral design with a decorative border. The inscription in the center reads “Express Elegance Pavilion” and appears to be written in white ink, perhaps using the method of inlaying. Ink cakes were a common form of ink used in East Asian calligraphy and painting. This particular example is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.