Cha Sheng, from Hai-ming Chekiang province, was a leading scholar, Han Lin academician, palace official, painter, and calligrapher. Upon gaining his doctorate (chin-shih) in 1688 he was made Vice Supervisor of the household of the heir apparent. Carved with a pleasingly simple design of swirling clouds, the reverse side of

The clouds' root is like new skin,

Growing day and night on the endless rain.

What is this slice of stone?

It is a congealed spot of ancient clouds.

If it is touched by fragrant lamp-black (ink)

Essence of dew will sprinkle onto the brush tip.

Using this brush to write the sage's classics,

All will be enriched the whole world wide.

Inscribed by Cha Sheng of western Chekiang in early summer of 1686.