Chinese white marble scholars weight

Photographed is a Chinese white marble weight carved in the form of a mythical beast, recumbent lion. Dating from the mid to late Ming period 14-16th Century.

The Chinese scholars use of paper was relatively wide spread by the 8th century.
Printing presses were producing money and paper mills were producing sheets of paper in large quantities by the 12th century.

The above weight was possibly carved to secure one end of a horizontal scroll or to secure a pile.

It’s additionally possible that the weight of approximate 3 x 4 in, was produced as a mat weight. Mat weights were being produced well before the 14-15th century.