Juliette Hammer
Sale Coordinator
Lot 47
A SQUARE 'DRAGON AND PHOENIX' INK-CAKE Fang Yulu mark
14 May 2025, 10:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£3,000 - £4,000
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Chen Xie
Specialist
Edward Luper
Specialist, Chinese Works of Art
Lazarus Halstead
Head of Chinese and Asian Art, London
A SQUARE 'DRAGON AND PHOENIX' INK-CAKE
Fang Yulu mark
Of square form, finely carved in low relief on one side with a five-clawed dragon and a phoenix confronting each other amidst scrolling clouds, the reverse incised with an inscription and the signature of Fang Yulu, with a fitted box.
10cm (3 7/8in) square.
Of square form, finely carved in low relief on one side with a five-clawed dragon and a phoenix confronting each other amidst scrolling clouds, the reverse incised with an inscription and the signature of Fang Yulu, with a fitted box.
10cm (3 7/8in) square.
Footnotes
方于魯款龍鳳紋方墨
The inscription on the reverse reads:
鳳有翼，龍有鱗，君子不獨興，必有良臣。古樂府教，方于魯製
Which may be translated as:
'Phoenixes have wings, dragons have scales; a ruler does not prosper alone but must have virtuous ministers. Inspired by the teachings of ancient Yuefu, crafted by Fang Yulu.'
Fang Yulu (方于魯) was a renowned ink craftsman of the Wanli period, hailing from Shexian in Anhui Province, the historical centre of ink production. A leading figure of the 'She School' (歙派), he revolutionised ink-making with innovative techniques that enhanced both the quality and artistic value of ink sticks. His products were prized for their deep, lustrous blackness, smooth application, and durability, making them highly sought after by scholars and calligraphers.
Beyond refining traditional formulas, Fang introduced intricate relief carvings, gilding, and multi-coloured pigments to his inksticks, transforming them into works of art. His designs often featured motifs drawn from classical literature, landscapes, and auspicious symbols. His reputation extended well beyond his time, influencing later ink-making traditions and setting a benchmark for quality that persisted into the Qing dynasty.
See a related ink-cake with the signature of Fang Yulu, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 29 October 2024, lot 1515.