YONGZHENG PERIOD (1723-1735)

This inkstone is notable for the exceptional quality of the intricate, detailed slip decoration and for being offered together with its original lacquer box. A related imperial Yixing stoneware inkstone dated to the Yongzheng period in the Palace Museum collection, Beijing, is illustrated in Yixing Zisha Wares in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2009, p.193, pl. 111 (fig.1). However, the Palace Museum inkstone is decorated with bats and 'shou' characters amongst clouds and has no original lacquer box.