Chinese ink plaque, Qing dynasty.

Solid black ink in the form of a hexagonal plate. The front has relief decoration depicting an elephant holding a vase, and on the right side two carved characters 九贡 (Jiugong) and filled in gilding. On the reverse are three raised archaic characters 浴砚斋 (Yu yanzhai). In very good condition, the ink is slightly crackled and has no faults. 

Diameter: 11.50; Depth: 1.50 cm; Weight: 181 g