Small paktong ink pot in two parts consisting of an ink receptacle and a water reservoir. Two holes serve as brush or pen rests. The ink receptacle is engraved with scenes of of the Taoist God of Wealth Liu Hai grabbing his three-legged toad (see Quick Find 7770), the famous Tang-poet Li Bai who loved to get drunk and is here seen leaning on a wine vessel, a holy man, possibly the Buddha, holding a Lotus flower (Continuous Harmony) and a bald young monk leaning on a stack of books (High position) with a vase (Peace) filled with Chrysanthemum flowers (Longevity) in the background. The engravings are rubbed as a result of frequent use. The lid features a poem. The water reservoir is engraved with two figures, possibly lovers as they hold each other tight and a lady with a crane, most probably the Goddess Ma Gu who is the protector of females. Is she holding a coral branch, symbol of Longevity and official promotion? Both the receptacle and water container are deeply stamped with a stylistic depiction of a butterfly, which we assume to be a maker’s mark. Apart from this, butterflies bring Blessings and Happiness. The ink pot dates from the Republic period (1912 – 1947) and was presented to us by our good friend, Rudy John. Total height 9 cm. Dimensions water reservoir: Height 7 cm. Width 4.4 cm. Depth 1.3 cm. Dimensions ink pot: Length 7.1 cm. Width 4.5 cm. Height 3.5 cm. Weight 238 grams.