Fine Asian Art, Including the Ullman Collection of Fine Buddhist Bronze Figures

AN IMPERIAL CARVED AND GILDED INKSTICK, China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1735-1796)

h cm 3 x l cm 8,3

Of square section, it is magnificently carved with two gilded five-clawed dragons chasing each other among the clouds, with archaistic carved motifs on each side; the base bears the inscription *yún xíng yǔ shī, wànguó xiánníng* (云行雨施，万国咸宁).

Provenance: private collection, Rome.

Catalog notes:

The carving, decorative motifs, and form are similar to those of jade seals from the Qing court. This is an imperial-use inkstick, created by Wang Weigao in the sixth year of the Qianlong reign (1741), when he was invited to teach ink production at the Imperial Calligraphy Office of the Qing court.

双龙玉玺墨，中国，清朝，乾隆时期（1735-1796）