Showrooms

Chinese Scholar Rock Kun Stone on Display Stand

Origin

China

Period

1900-1919

Materials

stone on wood stand

Dimensions

W.	11.5 in;	H.	13.5 in;	D.	7.65 in;
W.	29.21 cm;	H.	34.29 cm;	D.	19.43 cm;

Condition

Good. Natural surface, stand with minor age wear.

Creation Date

20th century

Description

This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation, it is the rarest kind of the four famous viewing stones among Lingbi, Taihu and Yingde. The history of collecting Kun stone dates back to over a thousand years ago and was first recorded in Song Dynasty. It is also the only stone that consists mainly of dolomites with prominent white crystalline silica deposits. Kun stone is considerably rarer than the other types due to the size of the source and was historically more restricted in collection and production. When they do surface on the market occasionally, they tend to be quite small in size.
The specimen on offer here is a wonderful example of Kun stone of a relatively impressive size. It displays a horizontal format with two interlinked hills. The bottom shows a slight arch and was beautifully balanced on the custom wood stand. The surface is quite extraordinary, covered with infinite small grottos, almost coral like. White crystalline deposits scatter randomly across the stone, forming colonies in various size. The beauty, comparatively, is more subtle, and resides in the finely textured surface that requires the appreciation in quietude. The wood tall stand has two tiers and was designed to accentuate the beauty of the stone perfectly.
Chinese scholar stone is also known as Gongshi in China and meditation stone and spirit stone in the west.
For other example of Kun stone, see "The SuYuan Stone Catalogue Scholars' Rocks in Ancient China" by Kemin Hu page 33.
"The Romance of Scholar's Stones Adventures in Appreciation" by Kemin Hu, page 17.
"Spirit Stone The AncientArt of the Scholar's Rock" by Kemin Hu and Thomas S. Elias. page 108-109.

Styles / Movements

Asian, Chinese Export, Traditional

Patterns

Abstract, Asian/Oriental, Geometric

Incollect Reference Number

457961