Page 40 - Bonhams Los Angelis December 14, 2022

37

PROPERTY OF VARIOUS OWNERS
37
AN ARCHAIC GRAY POTTERY ROOF TILE, NOW CONVERTED
INTO AN INKSTONE
Han dynasty, later modified
The circular roof tile molded with four fan-shaped quadrants each
enclosing a character in archaic script, the reverse recarved around the
perimeter as a peach and the surface treated to serve as an inkstone;
together with a fitted hongmu box and cover carved in the form of a
peach, 19th century.

7in (17.8cm) wide (2).
$2,000 - 3,000
37 (alternative view) Provenance:
Rendezhai (House of Benevolent Learning) Collection, acquired in
Hong Kong between 1949 and 1970, thence by descent
The Rendezhai Collection was formed by Dr. Olaf Skinsnes (1917-
1997) from 1949 through the 1970s. Dr. Skinsnes was born in Henan
to parents who were medical missionaries. He maintained a lifelong
passion for Chinese art and history and formed the collection as a
didactic tool to expand Western knowledge of China’s rich history
and culture. In honor of his dedication to China, he was awarded the
Friendship Medal in 1992 by the Chinese government.

38
A MOTTLED GREEN AND GRAY HARDSTONE INKSTONE
Qing dynasty
Of thick rectangular profile with a recessed ink reservoir and grinding
surface, the dense celadon-beige stone dappled with black spots.
7 7/8in (20cm) long
$2,000 - 3,000
38
Provenance:
Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth (1929-2014)
Christie’s, New York, 18 March 2015, lot 159

38 | BONHAMS