Early 20th Century Chinese Scholar Stone Taihu Rock on Wood Stand

A Chinese scholar stone in an upright mushroom form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the ocher and cream color stone is likely of the Taihu type. It showcases an unusual, aggregated body with highly textured surface. Called “linglong” form, this stone is marked by many grottoes, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting negative spaces and distinct views from different angles. Based on the appearance, the stone was enhanced by carving for the best viewing result, which was not an uncommon practice in Chinese scholar stones.
For a similar Taihu stone with some aggregation, see page 84 of “Spirit Stone the Ancient Art of the Scholar’s Rock” by Kemin Hu and Thomas S Elias.
Stones such as this from Taihu lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later on, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar’s private study serving as a mini form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi “worshipped stone” and in the west, known also as Spirit Stone. With their exotic shape with and curious cavities and surface texture, these stones were highly appreciated as an inspiration to contain the nature in human’s adobe.