Han-style Inkstone

Han was a Chinese dynasty from 206 BC to 220 AD. The inkstones from this period were often made in round plate to facilitate the ink sticks which were all in shape of balls. Their lids were usually in shape of dome, which represented the vault of heaven in Han people's philosophy.

This stoneware is tailored for artist use. The center of the plate is for rubbing the ink and the trough around it is the reservoir. Its stone material is from Xizhou, an ancient administrative area across present Anhui and Jiangxi provinces where one of the best Chinese inkstones has been made. The chariots and characters on the lid are imitations of Han carving.