Gongshi
Limestone
Chinese
Ancient natural limestone
Taihu limestone is a curious mineral, found in the waters and on the banks of Taihu Lake near the foot of Dongting mountain. This particular scholar's rock, modest in size, is a specimen of the un fiddled with beauty of the Taihu stone. The rock's surface, weathered by the elements, bears a striking resemblance to a miniature mountain range, complete with crags, valleys and gorges, small nooks and crannies, as if it was once home to some tiny creatures.
It’s not difficult to imagine a Chinese scholar at his desk, gazing at the rock. Scholars rocks, or "gongshi", have been prized in China since the Tang dynasty for their ability to inspire creativity, contemplation.