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Chinese Paktong Traveling Scholar’s Ink Box, Qing browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese: Pre 1900: item # 707724 Please refer to our stock # 3-118 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book SOLD |
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This diminutive oval paktong (“baitong”) ink box is engraved on the top with various containers that might appear on a scholar’s desk. Late 19th century, Qing period. Not only has the original fitted inkstone inside the cover survived, but so has the ink stained cotton which was used in the bottom of the box. The copper bottom is stamped with a signature or hallmark, denoting a piece of superior quality and metal craftsmanship. These tightly-fit boxes were used by scholars when they traveled so they could paint and do calligraphy. Cotton was placed in the bottom of the box and water was dripped into it. This provided the moisture necessary to make ink on the stone when an inkstick was ground onto it. It was also possible to create ink directly on the stone and store it in the bottom of the box. Gentlemen-scholars were known as literati, and items for the scholar’s desk were highly regarded by China’s elite. The alloy paktong also has a fascinating history. Centuries before nickel was isolated in the west, the Chinese had produced an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel which had the lustrous sheen and color tone of silver, was appreciably harder than silver, and did not tarnish in use. Many examples of this alloy have a particularly pleasing color which is silver bright but possesses what has been termed a “soul of gold.” For additional information about paktong, see our article in ARTS OF ASIA, Nov/Dec. 1992. CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 2” (5 cm) x 1 5/8” (4.2 cm) x ¾” (2 cm) high. |
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