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 round duan inkstone belongs to a group of eleven inkstones that date from the Qing period (1644-1911). The stone could have been mined from Mazikeng. The 'eyes' on this piece are ingeniously carved into the clouds, particularly where there are swirls.
