Catalog (7)

This slender, attenuated brush pot (or possibly tool vase) of medium brown tone, displays a visible wood grain pattern on the exterior. The mouthrim and interior appear to retain the original surface. The base is worn fairly smooth from use. The exterior was probably refinished at a later time. The overall condition is very good with no repairs.

Height: 5 in., Diameter: 2 ¾ in.

This wrist rest is carved in low relief of an official and his attendant in an architectural setting. The carving is well executed with precise line incising. It has an overall reddish brown patina and a slight blackish stain from ink on the official's hand and just above it. The underside shows approximately the same patina, while the cut edges have darkened with use. As an essential item for the scholar's table this piece remains in good condition with its original patina from use. Purchased in a Chapel Hill, North Carolina estate in the early 1980s.

Length: 10 ¼ in., Width: 2 ¾ in.

This circular box is lacquered in brownish black with mother of pearl inlay encircling the lid which is well-fitted to the bottom box. The top is painted in slightly-raised gilt lacquer with two characters: “fu” and “shou,” for happiness and longevity. There is light wear to the edges of the lid, inner rims and to the base, as would be expected, and also a few minor touch-ups. Overall, considering the age and use, the box is in good condition with the mother of pearl all intact.

Diameter: 8 3/8 in., Height: 2 ½ in.,

The deep red lacquer is thickly applied to a wooden base and carved in high relief. The slightly domed lid is carved with a garden scene consisting of pavilions and scholars in a landscape of thick foliage, trees, various rocks and a small bridge. The sides of the box are carved all around with a repeating floral design and the base is carved overall with diamond shaped florets. Minor cracking from age is present on the lid and around the sides of the box often seen on 17th and 18th century wares. Two corners on the sides of the lid appear to have restoration to the vertical edges. The raised lip on the interior bottom shows considerable wear and loss to one end. There is wear on the base and on the interior that is consistent with age and use. The lacquer work is generally in good condition for its age.

Length: 6 ¾ in., Width: 5 ¼ in., Height: 2 ¼ in.

This brush pot displays shallow carving with incising utilizing the natural “skin” of the bamboo to depict a scene of tortoise, cranes, and pine as a wish for longevity. The carver's name is incised beneath the pine tree. It is in good condition and has a nice patina. There is some wear to the interior from use. Acquired in London in the mid 1980s.

Height: 5 1/8 in., Diameter: 3 1/8 in.

The wood appears to be old jichi wood that is exceptionally well-carved with twisting tree trunks of pine and plum intertwined to form the body, while stylized pine needles and plum blossoms encircle the perimeter. The pine and plum trunks are carved to show their contrasting textures. The piercing and depth of the carving give an energetic quality to the piece. Based on the carving, this stand was not intended as a fitted stand for a particular vase or sculpture. It may have been used as a brush rest or a wrist rest. The patina is a rich brown with an overall soft polish. The underside shows wear in the form of smoothness from use.

Length: 6 in., Width: 2 5/8 in., Height: 1 1/8 in.

This very slightly flaring turned huang huali wood brush pot has a well-figured grain and a honey brown tone. The interior has blackened with age and use. It retains its original plug in the base, with it having having some losses to the edges. The exterior base appears to be dark lacquered with some tinges of red showing through. This piece is a well-used scholar's item. It is in generally good condition. Acquired in the early 1980s from a Raleigh, North Carolina estate.

Height: 4 ½ in., Diameter: 3 5/8 in.