Scholars' Rocks from Kemin Hu

Place of origin:
Liujiang County, Guangxi Province

Mineral composition:
Limestones (calcite)

Also known as black Ying stones, these are formed by erosion of lake water. Like Taihu stones, they are characterized by their shou (thinness), zhou (wrinkles), lou (hollowness), and tou (transparency), but they are more diverse in shape and with gentle, smooth lines on the surface. In addition, collectors take a great fancy to the pitch black color of Mohu stones. Other Mohu stones have white streaks on the surface; those with many gorgeous white streaks are know as “white-streaked Mohu stones” (baihuamohu), a rare and precious stone type.

Smooth, elegant, and with gently undulating lines on the surface, Mohu stones excel in the features of traditional scholars’ rocks, resemble modern art as well, and so appeal to the tastes of interior designers. Mohu stones appear in colors other than black, including, deep gray, but these are not commonly seen. Like Taihu stones, Mohu stones are not as hard as Lingbi and Ying stones.