Chinese Black Lingbi Scholar Stone with White Crystal on Display Stand

A Chinese scholar stone of white Lingbi type in upright mushroom form presented on a carved conforming wood base. The type of special Lingbi known to the collector as white Lingbi features scattered white deposits of crystalized silica and calcium carbonate, that contrasts the dark stone core. Red iron-rich patches in the mineral core are often presented as well. The stone was cherished by the scholars in history as it manifests a poetic wintery scene. The white deposits resemble the snow melting away from the mountain peak. In the spiritual philosophy of Gongshi theory, the essence of nature could often be found from Macro to micro cosmos. The snowy Lingbi stone suggests that the rock has absorbed the spirit of weather and morphed into physical form.
The specimen on offer here represents such a piece of work by nature. The vertical form with horizontally opened flat top wing provides distinct views from different angles. The typical wrinkled surface of Lingbi stone became sharp on the edge, a suggestion of precipice. The storm has passed and most snow has melted away, except patched residues still hold onto the cliff. The carved wood base appears quite old and has some crackle line. The stone itself is 8" in height. The stone was stabilized inside the base with Musuem putty.

Lingbi stone, as the name indicated, was collected form Lingbi, Anhui Province in China. It is one of the four main stones collected by scholars as Gongshi (Spirited Stone or meditation stone) in Chinese history: Lingbi, Taihu, Yingde and Kun. These exotic rocks are priced and rated for their four qualities: shou (thinness), zhou (wrinkles), lou (hollowness), and tou (transparency). The history of collecting and appreciating interesting stones among the literati in China began as early as the 13th century in Yuan Dynasty, and it continued to this day. They are considered containing the spirit of nature and are priced item displayed in the scholar's studio for meditation.
For other example of white Lingbi stone, see "Spirit Stone the Ancient Art of the Scholar's Rock" by Kemin Hu and Thomas S. Elias. page 68-69.