Exhibition of the Nine-Halo Taiji Duan Inkstone Donated by He Chonggan

Among the many Duan inkstones in the Guangdong Museum, the most celebrated are the “Thousand Gold Monkey King Inkstone (Qian Jin Hou Wang Yan)” and “Yan Hua Inkstone with Four Symbols (Yan Hua Si Xiang Yan),” popularly known as the “Monkey Inkstone” and “Crane Inkstone” due to their distinctive stone patterns. Inscriptions reveal that the owner of both was "He Shi Xian Sou (The Leisurely Old Man of the He Family)." These two masterpieces—remarkable in both stone quality and craftsmanship—have long sparked debate over their provenance, the identity of their owner, and persistent rumors of a third inkstone from the same collection. Their enigmatic history has fascinated collectors for generations.

In early 2018, Mr. He Chonggan and the He family generously donated the "Nine-Halo Taiji" Duan Inkstone belonging to "He Shi Xian Sou" to the Guangdong Museum. This donation brought the long-speculated "three He inkstones" back into public view, offering crucial clues for tracing their historical journey. With the accession of the "Nine-Halo Taiji" Duan Inkstone, the three treasured inkstones were finally reunited after a century of separation.

From July 16 to August 18, 2019 (opening ceremony on the morning of July 16, public admission from 13:00), the 3M-floor gallery of the Guangdong Museum hosts the micro-exhibition "Exhibition of the Nine-Halo Taiji Duan Inkstone Donated by He Chonggan" as a tribute to Mr. He’s generous contribution. Featuring only ten exhibits and focusing on the "Three He's Inkstones," the exhibition aims to trace their historical origins and correct several long-circulated misconceptions.

Visitor Information

Opening hours: July 16 – August 18, 2019. Opening ceremony on July 16 (public admission from 13:00).

Highlights of the Exhibition