Showrooms

Chinese Scholar Rock Kun Stone on Display Stand

Offered by: Tishu

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.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	stone on wood stand
Condition:	Good. Natural surface, stand with minor age wear.
Creation Date:	20th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
Incollect Reference #:	457961

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;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.