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明萬曆甲申年(1584) 清供圖圓墨
「萬曆甲申」「方于魯製」「玉清」款
「吳廷羽印」「真賞圖書」印
Fang Yulu (方于魯) was a renowned ink craftsman during the Wanli period, originating from Shexian in Anhui Province, a region famed for its ink production. A key figure of the 'She School' (歙派) of ink-making, he introduced innovative techniques that enhanced both the quality and artistic appeal of inksticks. His inks were celebrated for their rich black colour, smooth consistency, and lasting durability, making them highly prized by scholars and calligraphers. Fang also elevated inksticks into works of art by incorporating intricate relief carvings, gilding, and polychrome designs inspired by classical literature, landscapes, and auspicious motifs.
The present ink cake bears several inscriptions, shedding light on its historical context. The inscription '萬曆甲申' (Wanli Jiashen) is a cyclical date corresponding to 1584 during the Wanli reign. '方于魯製' (Fang Yulu zhi) notes it was crafted by Fang Yulu or his workshop. '吳廷羽印' (Wu Tingyu yin) denotes the seal of Wu Tingyu, a distinguished painter from Xiuning, Huizhou (modern-day Anhui Province), who played a key role in illustrating major Ming dynasty ink manuals, including Fang's Ink Manual (方氏墨譜), Cheng's Ink Garden (程氏墨苑), and Ink Sea (墨海). Additionally, the inscriptions '玉清' (Yu Qing) and '真賞圖書' (Zhen shang tu shu) suggest a connection to Daoist themes and scholarly appreciation, reinforcing the refined artistic and cultural value of the ink cake.
See a circular ink-cake with the signature of Fang Yulu, Wanli period, in the Qing Court Collection, Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Classics of Forbidden City: Scholar's Paraphernalia, Beijing, 2009, p.126, pl.118.
See also a circular ink-cake with the signature of Fang Yulu, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 19 October 2024, lot 1515.