Yesterday, I strolled through the largest antique market in Luanzhou. The winding paths were lined with stalls, displaying a dazzling array of treasures. There were porcelain, calligraphy and paintings, bronze artifacts, jewelry, Buddha statues, embroidery, wooden items, stationery, jade, and more. The air was filled with the sound of bargaining, conversations, and the joyous laughter of successful bargains. As far as the eye could see, the crowded market stretched for kilometers.
One particular item caught my attention. It was delicately wrapped in an exquisite box and placed at the innermost corner of the stall, giving it an air of exclusivity.
Inkstone.
The inkstone is a cherished tool in traditional Chinese study. It has long been favored by literati and reflects the aesthetic pursuits, social customs, and technological advancements of the time. The development of inkstones can be divided into the grinding period of the Western Han Dynasty, the practical period of the mid-Ming Dynasty, the period of refined taste in the late Qing Dynasty, the decline in the early years of the People's Republic of China, and the current era of collecting.
The stall owner claimed that this particular inkstone was used by the Qing Dynasty imperial family, making it highly valuable for collectors.
Hairpin.
Hairpins were worn by ancient Han Chinese women as a head accessory. They were primarily used to secure hairstyles and came in various materials such as gold, silver, pearls, jade, coral, and more. Classic styles include flower and tree motifs, tassels, silver chains, and spiral shapes. With a history of thousands of years, wearing a hairpin symbolized wealth and prosperity.
This item is small but exquisitely crafted. Do any of you know what it is?
Each antique carries the social customs of its time. Each antique embodies the culture of its era. The older the antique, the greater its value. If you have such items at home, they should be carefully preserved.