Chinese Engraved Textile Printing Stone, C. 1850

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With monumental scale and hand-carved detail, this impressive stone form is a rare find we've never before seen in our … Read more With monumental scale and hand-carved detail, this impressive stone form is a rare find we've never before seen in our years of collecting. The stone column is believed to be a large ink roller for printing textiles, used to create fabric tapestries for temples, festivals and special occasions.

The stone roller is hand-carved in shallow relief with Buddhist imagery, depicting the Buddha seated in meditation, backed by an elaborate halo and flanked by divine attendants and disciples. Shaped from solid limestone in the mid-19th century or earlier, the engraved stone has aged beautifully with time with softened lines and a rich patina. See less