Chinese Scholar Rock with Rosewood Stand. Slender Taihu scholar rock in an upright form displayed on a rosewood stand. The rock has a near mirage image between the front and back. It is of a grayish black color. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting negative spaces for a meditative mind. Stones such as this from Taihu lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later on, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a mini form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi "worshipped stone" and in the west, known also as Spirit Stone. With their exotic shape with and curious cavities and surface texture, these stones were highly appreciated as an inspiration to contain the nature in human's adobe. Size: 11 x 10 x 30 1/2 in. ( #2639 ).