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Scholar Objects
Baitong Ink Box 19th c.
A depiction of a rooster and peony is engraved on the cover of this rectangular baitong (copper-nickel alloy) ink box. A rooster crow, in Chinese, is "gong ming", which is homophonic with the word "fame". Peony is a symbol of wealth in Chinese. It is an auspicious image of fame and wealth. On the bottom of the ink box, there is a maker's mark, which reads "Bao Wen"