Lot 61A
East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A gongshi, also known as a scholar's rock, this piece is a naturally formed rock placed on a wood pedestal for admiration. Its craggy, pitted surface resembles coral or a rocky landscape, potentially evoking pareidolia in some viewers. When tapped, the stone produces a pleasant, ceramic-like clinking sound, a characteristic that was highly valued during selection. The resonance and texture of the stone were important considerations in choosing a gongshi. It is mounted on a low, dark cherry-colored wood base. Size: 10" L x 4" W x 6.5" H (25.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 16.5 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.
Gongshi are part of the Chinese tradition of venerating beautiful stones which extends back to the Neolithic, when prized geological specimens were placed into tombs as offerings. In the Song Dynasty, Chinese writers composed essays and catalogues dedicated to rocks; artists began to paint them in elegant compositions that celebrated their natural qualities as evocative of larger forms in the landscape like prominent mountains or mythological creatures like dragons. A Chinese scholar would have displayed this example in his studio so that he and other members of the literati could contemplate its contours.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection acquired in New York 2004
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#191084
- Condition: Stone has natural niches and surface pitting and wear from erosion. Minor scratches to base, otherwise intact. Base is removable.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |