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An Important Qing Zitan Scholars Brush Pot

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All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese: Pre 1700: item # 56673

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Ichiban Japanese & Oriental Antiques
Post Office Box 395
Marion, CT 06444-0395
203.272.7392

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SOLD - $3,500.00

An Important Qing Zitan Scholars Brush Pot
An extraordinary scholar's late Ming to early Qing brush pot. This style of high relief carving on zitan generally ended in the mid 14th century. The portrayal of the characters is typical of the Yuan dynasty, dating back to 11th century. The lip of the brush pot is uneven, indicating it was made entirely by hand. In the 16th century, small mechanical wooden tools were introduced that allowed the carving of perfectly round and even edges. The fact that this lip is not entirely smooth is a sign that the brush pot was hand carved and sanded. In ancient China only famous craftsmen were allowed to carve their names onto their creations. Judging by this ancient cultural rule and the quality of the craftsmanship, the artist would have been well known in his time. In the depiction, three women play musical instruments, two women make dinner with pots, one woman dances, two women holding music instruments take a break from the practice, an older man sits by a table topped with fruit baskets and a tea pot, two rabbits play by an old tree, and a traditional Chinese garden landscape serves as a backdrop. The ox-hair grain provides a primary indication of the wood being xiao-ye-tan zitan - considered one of the most precious wood sinces the early 19th century. The design and workmanship are of the highest standard and the style is exceedingly rare. Circa 14th century. Lower Base Diameter: 6.61", upper diameter: 7", height: 5.9", weight: 5.5 pounds


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