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Inkstone case in the shape of a chimera
Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
Gilt bronze inlaid with semiprecious stones
L. 9 7/8 in. (25 cm)
Excavated at Tushan, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 1970
Nanjing Museum
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This inkstone case, cast in the shape of the mythical chimera, is one of the innumerable implements placed in tombs that would have enabled the deceased to continue his daily activities in the afterlife. The back forms the domed lid of the case, and the deep belly holds the inkstone. Colorful inlays of semiprecious stones—carnelian, turquoise, and lapis lazuli—embellish the surface. The lapis lazuli, which was imported from the ancient kingdom of Bactria (present-day Afghanistan), reflects China's increasing contacts with Central and western Asia.The inkstone is one of the four essential Chinese writing implements, along with brush, ink, and paper. The earliest known inkstone was found in a tomb in Hubei Province in the south, from the third century B.C., and the use of this object seems to have become widespread during the Han dynasty. Many of the excavated examples, such as this piece, were found with a small grinding stone, since, before the development of ink sticks, ink was made in the form of small blocks that had to be ground for use.
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