THREE INKSTONES Ming Dynasty and later (one dated 1628 and of the period) (7)

THREE INKSTONES Ming Dynasty and later (one dated 1628 and of the period) Comprising: an inkstone of rectangular shape with a raised edge adorned with two confronted dragons chasing a flaming pearl, carved and polished with a sloping recessed well, the underside with a recessed panel carved with a dated inscription, 10.9cm (4 3/4in) long; a inkstone of double-gourd shape with a polished grinding surface sloped at one end to hold water, with box, 12.5cm (4 7/8in) long; and an inkstone of rectangular shape with a raised border adorned to the upper left side with clouds in relief, with a small well at one end for water, with box, 12.2cm (4 3/4in) long. (7). Footnotes: Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 明及以後（其中一件署1628年） 硯台一組三件 Provenance: Ben Janssens Oriental Art, London 來源： 倫敦古董商 Ben Janssens Oriental Art The inscription on the inkstone adorned with two dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl reads: 此硯乃閒雲館舊物，余將良田十畝易之。崇禎元年姜日廣記於石井山房 This could be translated as: This inkstone is an old item from the Xianyun Pavilion. I exchanged ten acres of fertile land for it. Recorded by Jiang Riguang in the first year of the Chongzhen era (1628) at the Shijing Mountain Studio. The 'Xianyun Pavilion' 閒雲館 likely refers to Zhang Wei 張位 (1534-1605), a distinguished minister, scholar, and poet who held the position of Minister of Rites. The signature Jiang Riguang 姜日廣 was a prominent official at the end of the Ming dynasty. He had several key positions, including Minister of War and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. The inscription on the inkstone decorated with clouds reads: 青花紫硯是以永年 Which can be translated as: The purple inkstone with bluish floral patterns is intended to endure through the ages. This phrase is believed to originate from the poem titled 'The Song of Yang Sheng's Purple Inkstone with Bluish Floral Patterns' 楊生青花紫石硯歌, written by Li He (790-816) of the Tang dynasty, in praise of the Duan inkstone. See a related carved and inscribed rectangular inkstone sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 29 May 2024, lot 472. Saleroom notices: Please note the hongmu case is subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the UK, see clause 13. 請注意，紅木盒在出口到英國以外的地區時受到《瀕臨絕種野生動植物國際貿易公約》限制，詳見條款13 This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y Y Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the UK, see clause 13. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing

Saleroom Notice:
Please note the hongmu case is subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the UK, see clause 13. 請注意，紅木盒在出口到英國以外的地區時受到《瀕臨絕種野生動植物國際貿易公約》限制，詳見條款13