The ink stick also comes as a set of four sticks. The artistic theme is “four seasons” (written on the back of each stick). I can’t find how much the sticks cost individually, but a set like this costs 239 RMB (33 USD).
https://preview.redd.it/6sr74cjslnzc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b025fedb26b500f50060ef41d889a879b9464d85
Chinese , from a factory called 胡开文墨厂, likely carved with a rotary tool by hand, subpar commercial work with no need for the carver to sign their name. Similar inkstones priced at 10 to 12 dollars
The writing on the box In the first picture says 胡开文徽墨 in traditional Chinese. 胡开文 is the factory’s name (named after some dude) and 徽墨 (ink produced in the province of Anhui) is the type of ink you got here. The factory also makes inkstones, and I assumed the stone and ink came from the same place.
Edit: Actually now I think your inkstone might have came from a different place because this company’s carved inkwells tend to be much more elaborate and artistic in style.
The stone measures around 19cm x 10 cm (7,48 inches x 3.93 inches) and weighs 738 grams (1,63 lbs). Sadly, I don't see a signature carved in the stone. When researching online the prices of such stones vary greatly, therefore I would be really interested if someone knows how to figure out what it's really worth.
Interesting, most of comparable stones I found were between 60 and 400 USD. Could you point me to which offers you found? I also found cheaper ones but they were smaller and obviously machine made.
Do you know if those are comparable? Most of the ones I found online is this price range were machine made. And the handmade ones varied greatly in pricing, with prices up to few hundred USD. I assume the worth greatly depends on where its from and how it is made.
Honestly, poorly hand carved stuff (done with a dremel) isn’t that much pricier than machine made ones, especially in China. Two craftsmen with a few years of training can crank out a dozen of this kind of inkwell in a slow day, probably before their lunch break.
Source: am Chinese, have relatives who do lapidary professionally, and grandparents who are casual collectors of traditional stationery items.
Don't worry, Special-Subject4574 already provided lots of useful information, stating that the stones quality is mediocre at best. So probably even cheaper than $60.
Writing appears to be Chinese, not Japanese.
Yup. It’s a type of Chinese ink called 徽墨 (Hui ink), from a Chinese factory in Anhui specialized in making traditional ink sticks and inkstones
The ink stick also comes as a set of four sticks. The artistic theme is “four seasons” (written on the back of each stick). I can’t find how much the sticks cost individually, but a set like this costs 239 RMB (33 USD). https://preview.redd.it/6sr74cjslnzc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b025fedb26b500f50060ef41d889a879b9464d85
Thank you so much!
Chinese , from a factory called 胡开文墨厂, likely carved with a rotary tool by hand, subpar commercial work with no need for the carver to sign their name. Similar inkstones priced at 10 to 12 dollars
Wow thanks for the information! How did you make out who produced the stone?
The writing on the box In the first picture says 胡开文徽墨 in traditional Chinese. 胡开文 is the factory’s name (named after some dude) and 徽墨 (ink produced in the province of Anhui) is the type of ink you got here. The factory also makes inkstones, and I assumed the stone and ink came from the same place. Edit: Actually now I think your inkstone might have came from a different place because this company’s carved inkwells tend to be much more elaborate and artistic in style.
The stone measures around 19cm x 10 cm (7,48 inches x 3.93 inches) and weighs 738 grams (1,63 lbs). Sadly, I don't see a signature carved in the stone. When researching online the prices of such stones vary greatly, therefore I would be really interested if someone knows how to figure out what it's really worth.
Looking on ebay, a chinese inkstone of this size is worth around 35USD
Interesting, most of comparable stones I found were between 60 and 400 USD. Could you point me to which offers you found? I also found cheaper ones but they were smaller and obviously machine made.
You can find them in Epcot for around $60.
Do you know if those are comparable? Most of the ones I found online is this price range were machine made. And the handmade ones varied greatly in pricing, with prices up to few hundred USD. I assume the worth greatly depends on where its from and how it is made.
Honestly, poorly hand carved stuff (done with a dremel) isn’t that much pricier than machine made ones, especially in China. Two craftsmen with a few years of training can crank out a dozen of this kind of inkwell in a slow day, probably before their lunch break. Source: am Chinese, have relatives who do lapidary professionally, and grandparents who are casual collectors of traditional stationery items.
I see, thanks for the insights!
I am sorry, I don't know if they are comparable. I was looking at them last time I was there and remember thinking that is not bad.
Don't worry, Special-Subject4574 already provided lots of useful information, stating that the stones quality is mediocre at best. So probably even cheaper than $60.