Scholar's Rock

A boulder on a stalk. Gravity has been asked to look the other way.

This scholar's rock comes with no stated origin, date or stone type. Such stones were gathered and mounted by learned collectors for contemplation, the appeal being a mountain's drama in a size that fits a room, and odd balance was much admired. A heavy, pale grey mass, tinged with ochre, hangs off a slim pitted stem. A curved horn curls off one shoulder, and a low branch runs along the fitted stand. Below it, a dark stepped plinth. Fifteen inches wide and thirteen and a half high.

One keeps checking whether it has moved.