A RARE LIMESTONE 'STUPA' TABLE SCREEN Probably 1700-1900 (2)

A RARE LIMESTONE 'STUPA' TABLE SCREEN Probably 1700-1900 Of rectanglar form with gently bevelled edges, each side with a central image of the cross section of a fossilised shell, with similar, smaller fossils of the same type scattered through the stone in a matrix of brownish-beige limestone, the stone of brown, black and grey tone, wood stand. 20.4cm x 29.3cm (8in x 11 1/2in) (2). Footnotes: 或1700至1900年 石化石灰石「佛塔」紋插屏 Provenance: Acquired in Asia in April 2006 來源: 2006年4月入藏於亞洲 The screen is an ancient piece of distinctive fossiliferous limestone, traditionally utilised for the production of inkstones from the Song dynasty onward. These inkstones are relatively rare, as the material is not ideal for producing black ink due to its slippery and hard texture; they were primarily employed for grinding colours. While not common, similar specimens are known, and the material can still be found in China at shops that sell mineral specimens. For two inkstones, both exhibiting convincingly weathered conditions and dated as Qing dynasty, see Guifuzhai Congyan Lu ('A Record of Inkstones Collected in the Studio of Turtle Hill'), Shanghai Book Store, 1995, p. 22, no. 18; and Shoudou Bowuguan Guancang Mingyan ('Famous Inkstones in the Collection of the Capital Museum'), Beijing, 2000, p. 96. According to the latter source, this material belongs to the 'Fossil Stones' category of inkstones and is sourced from two locations: Jiangzhou (Jiangxian) in Shanxi province and Yizhang in Hubei province, as noted by Beijing traders. The fossils contained within this limestone resemble cow's horns, which is the origin of the name; however, literature has also likened their shapes to that of a Buddhist stupa, suggesting additional symbolic significance and resonance. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing