Lot 390: A Boxed Set of Eight Chinese Pigmented and Relief-Moulded Inksticks

A presentation set of eight Chinese scholar’s inksticks, or huimo, housed in a traditional cloth-bound folding case. The inksticks are manufactured from compressed carbon soot and animal glue, with several pieces embellished with coloured pigments including cinnabar red, lapis-style blue, and gold-toned washes. The set contains sticks of varying relief-moulded shapes, including circular, oval, rectangular, and sycee forms. The decorations depict traditional motifs such as a dragon amidst clouds, mountain landscape scenes with architectural elements, and a figure of a scholar or deity. Multiple pieces bear calligraphic inscriptions, including one rectangular black stick with extensive text in fine script. The exterior of the blue fabric-covered box features a paper label with characters including Mo (ink), Yuan (garden), and Tu (picture), referencing the designs of the 16th-century compendium Chengshi Moyuan. The box is lined with tan fabric and fitted with recesses for each stick, secured by bone or synthetic toggle fasteners.