A RARE SONG-STYLE INSCRIBED YIXING INKSTONE, WITH ZITAN BOX AND COVER YUTI MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG, DATED TO 1778

the circular yixing inkstone of disk form, the central depression carved in raised relief with an archaistic-style rabbit staring at the moon, encircled on the raised rim with an inscribed imperial poem with Qianlong Yuming and one seal reading de, the side inscribed with the title of the inkstone, Fang Song yu tu chao yuan yan ('An inkstone made in the Song style depicting the pure white rabbit looking at moon'), contained in a fitted circular zitan box with the cover inset with a circular piece of white jade carved in Han style, encircled by the same poem carved into the box and picked out with gold, and dated to the spring of Qianlong wuxu year, corresponding to 1778, with one seal reading Qianlong yuti

The cover has a single age crack running across the top of the cover the length of the radius. It has been filled-in and stabilized on the underside. The base has been cracked in half and re-glued. The inkstone itself is in very good condition with no apparent damage. The overall condition of this lot is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription on this inkstone was written by the Qianlong Emperor in the wuxu year of his reign (equivalent to 1778 A.D.). It is recorded in Yuzhi wenji (Imperial Literary Works collects ion), compiled in the Siku quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) 39.9a. It can be translated as follows:

The hare in the moon, oh, the cock in the sun,
Morning and evening images of water and fire trade places.
Nature has paired them off—who ever made them so!
The sun cock and moon hare both don't know it,
But this ink stone for New Year's Dawn is always like this,
Grind the red to load the brush and these elaborate words still remain.

The present inkstone was used to grind the emperor's ink for use during the New Year dawn audience when court officials came to offer their well wishes for the New Year.