Huanghuali brush pot

Huanghuali brush pot

Qing dynasty, 17th – 18th century

Diameter: 5 7/8 inches, 14.8 cm
Height: 5 3/8 inches, 13.8 cm

A huanghuali brush pot supported on three short feet.  The flaring sides terminate in a flat band that protrudes from the rim, while the lower edge of the base is encircled by a concave groove. The brownish wood is well polished and has three dark diagonal streaks that extend across the sides.

 

This beautiful brush pot was formed from a section of a tree branch. The unusual feature of relief bands around the edges not only has decorative but also protective functions. The three dark streaks, resembling free-hand brushwork in Chinese paintings, draw the attention of viewers and enliven the aesthetics of this piece. A comparable huanghuali brush pot, of similar shape and dated to the 17th century, is in the collection of the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture.[1] Another huanghuali brush pot of similar shape and size, dated to the mid-17th to early 18th century, is illustrated in The Literati Mode: Chinese Scholar Paintings, Calligraphy and Desk Objects.2

 

1 Wang, Shixiang and Evarts, C. Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chinese Art Foundation, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, no. 96, p. 200
2 Moss, P. The Literati Mode: Chinese Scholar Paintings, Calligraphy and Desk Objects, Sydney L Moss Ltd. London, 1986, no. 79, p. 197

 

黃花梨筆筒
清 十七 – 十八世紀
徑:14.8 公分 高:13.8 公分
黃花梨木質,為一段天然木幹截製而成,通體棕褐色相間,外壁三道深色長撇自上延伸至下,為視覺 賞玩焦點。器型由下至上開展,上緣以凸起平段包緣,底邊以凸緣作結,下承三足。美國加州中國古 典家具博物館藏一件十七世紀黃花梨筆筒,與本器形制相似,可為比較。