Large Antique Duan Inkstone - Qing Dynasty - Carved Flying Dragon - Signed

Description

This exquisite 5.5" x 9.5" inkstone from the Qing Dynasty is topped with a deep relief-carved flying dragon and swirling clouds. The flat, inner surface slopes to a well, or ink reservoir.
The depth of this carved inkstone was created by joining 3 layers of natural, purple duan, a volcanic tuff.  The layers are visible in my photos.
The underside of the stone is signed with 8 characters of calligraphy.
Duan is one of the "Four Famous Inkstones" valued by Chinese scholars and calligraphers.  It has a fine nature, neither too hard nor too soft, with just the right porousness and texture to produce  a thick ink quickly without damaging the delicate hairs of the brush. Its surface has a desirable, perfectly smooth, satiny sheen.
measures 5 ½" W x 9 ½" long x 1 ½" high (at top with dragon)
Heavy. Weighs 5 lbs.
CONDITION: Fine antique condition with just two very small chips to the side edges on the bottom:  one is on the right and a smaller one on the left, near the calligraphy. (Both shown.)