Ink Cake Container c. 1600

This circular ink cake container was made by the Workshop of Cheng Dayue, most likely in the late 16th or early 17th century. The design on the lid features a striking composition, dominated by a rich red background. Against this, black and gold create a detailed landscape scene. The formal arrangement invites us to consider the relationship between form and function. The circular shape dictates a continuous, unbroken narrative, which is achieved through the composition. Notice the interplay of pictorial elements of the landscape with the function of the container: the scene wraps around the lid, integrating image and object. This emphasizes the container's purpose of holding ink cakes, and the painting on top may be meant to evoke the practice of calligraphy and painting. Ultimately, this ink cake container is more than a mere object; it embodies a fusion of art and utility, reflecting the cultural values of the Chinese literati.