Minneapolis Institute of Art

Ink Stone in the Form of a Shell

China

Date

late 18th–19th century

Medium

Tuan stone

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Carved overall in the shape of a conch shell, this small ink stone reflects late Qing dynasty taste for complex forms. The tuan stone is of characteristic purple tone and several of the naturally occurring yellow-green eye inclusions have been carved into the decorative scheme. The low-relief barnacles adhering to the top and bottom as well as the small crab perched near the well all feature a yellow-green eye inclusion in their center. These inclusions were prized features of tuan stone and were often given emphasis in the carved designs. China, Asia

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