Officer's Ink Box Table

This 19th-century square box was once used by a Qing-dynasty official to elegantly store his calligraphy ink and custom seal. Previously an esteemed military officer, the official would have retired into the more contemplative occupation of a poet and scholar. Curating all elements of his studio for creative inspiration, the official likely decorated this elmwood ink box himself with a traditional "shan shui" landscape painting. Above the quiet river scenery reads "this wonderful autumn landscape that I see from my window inspires my poetry." Elevated by straight steel legs, this petite box becomes an unusual side table, perfect as a surface for drinks and to hide household clutter.