Stone inkstone carved with a dragon, China, 1750–1850 Pear-shaped, the brown inkstone is carved in slight relief with two chi dragons chasing a flaming pearl, represented by a natural beige-ochre spot on the stone. On the reverse, two facing dragons carved in the archaic style form the character “long,” meaning “dragon.” A Buddhist lion’s head with a ring adorns each shoulder. The stopper, made of turquoise and coral, is carved in the shape of a small chi dragon. Height: 6 cm Chip marks at the neck and base; minor restoration to one ring. Publication: Laurence Souksi, Wonders of Chinese Miniature Art: Chinese Bottles and Snuffboxes from the Commandeur Collection, Paris, 2000, no. 57, p. 25 (illustrated). Provenance: - Sotheby’s London. - Palais du Mandarin, Paris.