Chinese Scholar Stone Caitao Rock on Display Stand

A Caitao type Chinese scholar stone presented on a carved confirming wood stand circa 1990s. Caitao, which means colored pottery in Chinese, was a newly discovered scholar stone type in 1993. Since then, it has gained appreciation and popularity among seasoned collectors. Deposited in the deep gorge of the Red River in Liu Zhou, Guizhou Province in Southwestern China, these stones were polished by rapid water for millenniums. Found only in certain sections of the river where the specific geological elements have converged to allow such formation, Caitao stone is known for a layered terrace-like form with rounded corners, a very smooth surface that resembles glazed pottery and often with the subtle and polychromed hues.
The stone on offer is a wonderful example of Caitao stone. Completely natural, it features a classic terraced form with a mirror-like flat top in dark grey. The layered body showcases striations in variation of ochre, white, turquoise and green colors, and indeed, with the mat finish, it resembles the surface of a glazed pottery. Humble, solid and earthy, it is presented on a simple short comforting wood base.
From a US collection in Massachusetts.
For a very similar example of Caitao stone, see "Spirit Stone the Ancient Art of the Scholar's Rock" by Kemin Hu and Thomas S. Elias. page 126.