Artwork Page for Ink Cake with Architectural Design

Details / Information for Ink Cake with Architectural Design

Ink Cake with Architectural Design

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong inscription, mark, and reign

(1736-95)
Medium
molded ink
Measurements
Overall: 2.4 x 13.4 cm (15/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Henry W. Kent 1942.212
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

To make liquid ink, an ink cake is ground against an inkstone with a small quantity of water.

Description

In China, access to political power was granted to those who passed the civil service examinations, a system that offered official service only at a high level of education. Chinese literati-officials, whose daily routine involved administrative work in an office, enjoyed precious objects on their writing desks that offered distraction and demonstrated good taste. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, these utensils of the literati studio also became collectibles and were treasured as artworks.

Ink Cake with Architectural Design

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong inscription, mark, and reign (1736-95)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.