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Ink Cake with Architectural Design

1736–95
(1736-95)
molded ink
Overall: 2.4 x 13.4 cm (15/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Gift of Henry W. Kent 1942.212
Location: not on view
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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

Ink Cake with Architectural Design

1736–95

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

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