The duan stone comes from the area around the Duanxi River in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. It has a fine-grained body and smooth surface. They are also prized for the unique natural features such as 'green spots' or 'stone eyes'. The beauty of the duan inkstone is often derived from the successful combination of the decoration and the natural stone markings. For centuries, duan inkstones have been regarded as the finest inkstones of all.This rectangular duan inkstone is decorated with 'bogu' ('hundred antiquities'). There are altogether nine motifs of 'bell-shaped' objects, copper coin motif to collectively form part of the hundred antiquities motif. This motif was also popular during Qing period (1644-1911). It is possible the late collector, Dr Tan, liked the hundred antiquities motif since this motif is also seen on a few of his ceramics pieces.
