Auction 55, Bid & Bloom, April 7th
Tue, Apr 7, 2026 12:00PM EDT
Lot 397
A Chinese 'Cloud-Form' Taihu Scholar's Rock (Gongshi) on a Carved Hardwood Stand
Estimate: $300 - $600
Starting Bid
$50
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $50 | $10 |
| $150 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $4,000 | $500 |
| $15,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 |
Description:
A fine example of a Chinese scholar's rock, or gongshi (spirit stone), crafted from naturally weathered Lake Taihu limestone. This piece is highly prized for its unique, ivory-colored surface and intricate natural formations, which evoke a miniature rugged mountain landscape or a rising cloud (yun tou).
The stone exhibits the highly desirable aesthetic qualities valued by Chinese literati:
- Shou (thinness), lou (hollowness/perforation), and tou (transparency/penetration), with numerous tunnels, caves, and delicate natural bridges that create a sense of infinite space within the finite object.
- Zhou (wrinkles), as seen in the textured, eroded surface that highlights the action of water and time.
The rock is set into a custom-fitted, hand-carved dark hardwood stand, an essential component that complements the natural form and allows for proper display. This type of object was traditionally used for contemplation and inspiration in a scholar's studio.
Condition: Excellent condition, no chips, cracks, or repairs visible
Dimensions: H:12in W:6In L:5in
Available payment options
Shipping
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services. All items will be shipped within 10 business days after payment has cleared.
Items must be picked up within 10 business days following the auction. Items not
collected within this timeframe will be placed in storage at a fee of $10.00 per item per day.