Chinese Scholar Rock Black Taihu Stone on Display Stand

The slender Taihu scholar rock of an upright form is displayed on a custom carved wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced form, the rock has a near mirage image between the front and the back. In a nearly pure black obsidian color with occasional white veins and mineral deposits nicely mixed into the matrix. The surface has been deeply polished and weathered and is now mostly smooth yet still maintains some slightly rugged edges and points at places. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting negative spaces for a meditative mind. Often called "Ling Long" Taihu, stone specimens like this were most likely enhanced by further carvings.
Stone itself is about 20.5" in height.
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.