Lot 20: A Chinese Carved Hardwood Desktop Inkstand and Stationery Set

A Chinese desktop inkstand and stationery set, constructed from a dense, reddish-brown hardwood with a visible grain. The rectangular base is supported by four low, scroll-carved feet and features a shallow galleried edge. The set comprises four integrated components: a square box to the left with a detachable lid featuring an intricate pierced openwork floral and foliate scroll design; a central tiered card holder with a relief-carved scrollwork panel to the front; a long rectangular pen rest at the front; and a square recessed tray to the right. The pen rest is decorated with a key-fret border and a central incised inscription in Chinese characters. The legend reads NING JING ZHI YUAN (宁静致远). No maker’s marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the item.