Porcelain ink stone decorated in blue with the 'Three Friends of Winter', plum tree, bamboo and pine tree. The pine tree and the bamboo remain green even in icy winters while the plum is the first to bloom every year. They are admired for their resistance to the elements. All three are symbols of longevity. On the bottom is a saying 'Few people live a hundred years; ink stones will be there for a thousand years, now and forever'. Also depicted on the bottom is an old man holding a stick which was painted with swift but clear brush strokes. The ink stone dates from the Qing period (1644 - 1912). Diameter 13.7 cm. Height 4.1 cm.