GJPaw Auctions is very pleased to offer a rare and fantastic Chinese Picture Stone, a form of natural stone art. There is a long tradition of stone contemplation and appreciation in the Far East for particular stones or rocks called Gongshi, which are shaped in highly unusual ways by nature’s hand. For centuries, Gongshi were collected and admired throughout China as objects of reflection and contemplation. In fact, they became so revered they were even given as tribute objects to foreign dignitaries and powerful individuals by the Imperial Court. In the West they are better known as “Scholar’s Rocks” or “Spirit Stones” depending on whether they are abstract or representational.The word gong means "spirit" and shi "stone." The Chinese interest in collecting rocks for religious or aesthetic purposes has been traced back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - A.D. 220) when connoisseurs began using large stones to decorate their gardens and courtyards. The interest developed from an appreciation of the larger garden rocks, but the smaller size enabled them to be carried indoors where they could be used for the purposes of meditation, being appreciated for their dramatic form and texture or the feelings they evoked from the viewer. While Gongshi have become increasingly popular among collectors through the years, a related form of natural stone art has also gained popularity. These are called Picture Stones, and in their own way they are as unique and compelling as Gongshi. Picture stones are cut flat stones depicting exactly what their name suggests – a picture of some sort. Like Gongshi, Picture Stones are purely natural works of art. They are evocative by nature and can be composed of rich colors and textures or simpler, even monochromatic color ways.  Coupled with imagination – or perhaps multiplied by it – they are transformed into intriguing, engaging works of art and beauty. This superb example measures 4.0 inches in width by 4.0 inches in depth by 9.75 inches in height (10.1 cm by 10.1 cm by 24.7 cm), including the hand-made, fitted wood base. The age of this unique piece is indeterminate; however, the intrinsic qualities of this individual rock makes it highly desirable to collectors and aficionados alike. It is guaranteed authentic and was collected in China many years ago. It would be a terrific addition to any collection of Chinese antiques and art as well as scholar's objects.