Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Wood (5)

Rather unusual 19th century Japanese brush holder made out of a length of bamboo rhizome (root). Part of the root is made into a cover to the larger length which is hollowed inside to accommodate a painting brush. Five beautifully carved characters on the top read RAKUTAN YUUGI MOE which can be translated as “day of pleasure with strong affection to tradition/ceremony”...

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of an iris flower about to bloom and cursively written poem. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, rich warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 6 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of blooming peony bush. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, rich warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 6 13/16 x 2 1/2 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of a sparrow in flight, its wings spread wide. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, rich warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 6 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) Japanese bamboo wrist rest used by painters and calligraphers, with low relief carving of a blooming camellia branch. One narrow side edge is tapered, so it can be used as a tea scoop as well. Beautiful subtle piece, superb quality carving, warm patina, in excellent condition. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Size 4 3/8 x 1 15/16 inches.