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ID #SA1047227
FOR SALE
£925
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Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian
For sale by London Fine Antiques
for sale €1,082     $1,175
£925
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
Browse dealers 945 items
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    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
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Id #SA1047227
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Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

19th century
Description

Our Stock # 18.9943

This is an antique set of 8 calligraphic ink blocks. A Chinese, cased set of printing shapes, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

Appealing cased set of fascinating ink stones

Displaying a desirable aged patina and good original order

Composed of soot oil, ideal for printing decorative scenes on paper

Each of the eight blocks is decorated with a human figure, accentuated in gold

Ink blocks range in length from 2.75'' to 4.25'' respectively

Presented with a pleasingly time-worn carry case

This is a delightful antique set of calligraphic ink blocks, presented in a wonderfully preserved order. A treat for the art appreciator or collector. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Box Width: 21.5cm (8.5'')

Box Depth: 28.5cm (11.25'')

Box Height: 2cm (.75'')

Smallest Stone Width: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Smallest Stone Depth: 7cm (2.75'')

Smallest Stone Height: 1cm (.5'')

Largest Stone Width: 5cm (2'')

Largest Stone Depth: 11cm (4.25'')

Largest Stone Height: 1cm (.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.9943

Physical Dimensions
Height
2cm (0.79")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
28.5cm (11.22")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated these Cased Chinese Ink Blocks to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1047227
Dealers Internal Reference
18.9943
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
Our Stock # 18.9943

This is an antique set of 8 calligraphic ink blocks. A Chinese, cased set of printing shapes, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

Appealing cased set of fascinating ink stones

fig 1. An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
fig 1. Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Displaying a desirable aged patina and good original order

Composed of soot oil, ideal for printing decorative scenes on paper

Each of the eight blocks is decorated with a human figure, accentuated in gold

fig 2. An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
fig 2. Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Ink blocks range in length from 2.75'' to 4.25'' respectively

Presented with a pleasingly time-worn carry case

“
This is a delightful antique set of calligraphic ink blocks, presented in a wonderfully preserved order.
London Fine Antiques

A treat for the art appreciator or collector. Delivered ready to enjoy.

fig 3. An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
fig 3. Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Dimensions:

Box Width: 21.5cm (8.5'')

Box Depth: 28.5cm (11.25'')

Box Height: 2cm (.75'')

Smallest Stone Width: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Smallest Stone Depth: 7cm (2.75'')

Smallest Stone Height: 1cm (.5'')

Largest Stone Width: 5cm (2'')

fig 4. An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
fig 4. Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Largest Stone Depth: 11cm (4.25'')

Largest Stone Height: 1cm (.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

fig 5. An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
fig 5. Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.9943

Height
2cm (0.79")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
28.5cm (11.22")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated these Cased Chinese Ink Blocks to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1047227
Dealers Internal Ref
18.9943
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
1 / 9
Archive I An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.

Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian

Archive II An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View II
Archive III An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View III
Archive IV An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View IV
Archive V An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View V
Archive VI An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View VI
Archive VII An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View VII
Archive VIII An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View VIII
Archive IX An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 945
Items Sold 5,638
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
945
Sold
5,638
An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
Set of 8 Antique Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Chinese, Cased, Printing, Victorian
Ref: SA1047227
An open brown fabric-lined case containing eight black ink blocks of varied geometric shapes decorated with gilded figurative engravings.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
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Archival Detail

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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCalligraphy Ink Sticks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialSoot Ink, Fabric, Wood
  • ColourBlack and Gold
  • MotifsRelief moulding, Gilded figurative engravings, Varied geometric shapes
  • SizeH 2 cm (1 in) x W 21.5 cm (8 in) x D 28.5 cm (11 in)

This is a late Victorian set of eight Chinese calligraphic ink blocks in a cased format, dating to circa 1900. The set comprises soot ink blocks in varied geometric shapes, each decorated with a human figure accentuated in gold, resting inside a brown fabric-lined carry case with a beige interior. The case features two white clasp closures along the right side and shows a desirable aged patina alongside a time-worn appearance. The box measures 2 cm high, 21.5 cm wide, and 28.5 cm deep. In a modern interior, this set suits a gentleman's library or office desk as a display piece for an art appreciator or collector. The blocks sit securely in dedicated recessed indents within the lined case, while the opposite side of the hinged box reveals corresponding shaped indentations. The composition provides an interesting visual display of traditional printing tools that enhance a study or workspace surface.

FAQs

Traditionally known as inksticks or ink cakes, these solid forms of ink are ground against an inkstone with water to produce liquid ink for Asian calligraphy and brush painting. Originating in ancient China, decorated ink sticks evolved into collectible scholar items during the Qing Dynasty and Victorian export periods.

Traditional ink blocks are composed of soottypically derived from pine wood or vegetable oilsmixed with animal glue as a binder. Mineral pigments, gold leaf detailing, and aromatic substances like camphor were frequently incorporated into decorated sets.

Keep ink blocks in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, humidity, or sudden temperature fluctuations, which can warp animal glue binders. Dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding water or chemical solvents.

Fitted display sets function as detailed accents when displayed open on a desk, inside a glass cabinet, or styled atop stacked art books to add historical texture to a room.

Authentic historical pieces feature precise relief moulding, detailed polychrome or gilded decoration, and a hard, smooth surface texture. Over time, original ink blocks may display subtle surface craquelure or softening of gilded highlights.
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