A RARE INSCRIBED 'HETU LUOSHU' 'DUAN' INKSTONE QING DYNASTY |

of circular form with a slightly concave ink platform encircled by a channeled ring, the exterior walls with a poetic inscription in raised seal script with an incised circular seal, Wangshi yuanxiang zhencang ('treasure of the Wang clan'), the countersunk base centered by a Hetu Luoshu diagram surrounded by three striding dragons against a stippled ground, zitan cover and stand (3)

In overall good condition with shallow scratches to the underside and foot ring. The ink platform stained. The surface overall with wear and light staining. The wood stand and cover each with a repaired crack.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Hetu Luoshu ('river diagram and luo writing') is a cosmogram that was employed in ancient China for divination and political assurances. Its origins are obscure, however scholars believe the practice was employed before the Han period. Han and Song dynasty scholars believed the cosmograms had links to the origins of Chinese writing and mathematics, and Song dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi discusses the system in the Yijing (Book of Changes). Benjamin A. Elman states that the 'reevaluation of traditional cosmograms (tu) as mensural models for numbers (Hetu) and mathematics (Luoshu) was part of the return to antiquity (fugu) favored by Qing evidential scholars,' in On Their Own Terms: Science in China 1550-1900, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2005, p.197.