Oval. The lid with poem by the Song dynasty poet Lu You: 戊子秋初 風欹烏帽送輕寒,雨點春衫作碎斑。小吏知人當著句,先安筆硯對溪山。和甫自製 (Early Autumn of the Wuzi Year The wind tilts my black gauze cap, bringing a hint of chill; Raindrops speckle my spring robe with scattered stains. The young clerk, knowing my nature, sets down the lines for me— First arranging brush and inkstone as I face the stream and mountains. — Self-made by Hefu). Mark to the base. Height 3.5, 8 x 5.5 cm.
Wear. Marks, scratches.
Diplomatic gift to a Swedish diplomat during the 1900s according to family tradition.