We are offering this very large and elegant Qing Dynasty Imperial ink slab or ink well with its original wood cover and brocade bag. The large stone was carved into a circular slab with its upper side lined with a band of continuous wave patterns around a semi-circle trough and a round flat surface. The underside is formed with a large slope in a minimalistic manner. The ink slab is fitted with a dome-shaped wood cover over the ink well. A 10-character inscription in archaic script was carved on the wood surface in intaglio. The ink slab and its cover is also fitted with a protective bag made of Imperial brocade with five-claw dragon. The pure black ink stone and the wood cover have developed a beautiful patina from years of use and handling. The brocade bag has suffered from some tear and wear. Other than a few small chips to the rim, this magnificent Imperial ink well is in excellent condition. The Imperial provenance of this fine ink slab can be established by its original bag with five-claw dragon pattern, the jewel-like stone, and the elegant Qing Imperial style calligraphy on the wood cover.
Size: diameter: 21.5cm; height (without cover): 5.5cm; Total height (with cover): 7.0cm