Ink Tablet with Peach Tree

late 19th–early 20th century

Not on view

Ink for calligraphy and painting was made from soot mixed with a binding medium and formed into ink tablets, which were then ground with water to yield the liquid ink. Ink tablets were among the objects especially treasured and keenly appreciated by Chinese scholars.
This ink tablet is decorated with a design of a peach tree, symbolic of longevity. An inscription indicates that it was made in 1576 in the workshop of Fang Yulu (active ca. 1570–1619) under the supervision of Cheng Dayue (Cheng Junfang, 1541–ca. 1616), both famous inkmakers

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ink Tablet with Peach Tree
Period: late Qing dynasty (1644–1911) or early Republic period (1912–49)
Date: late 19th–early 20th century
Culture: China
Medium: Black ink
Dimensions: H. 4 in. (10.2 cm); W. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
Classification: Ink
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1930
Object Number: 30.76.197
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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