Buddha / Buddhism

Finely Carved Chinese Brush Holder Pot

Documentation

Signed

Origin

China

Period

19th Century

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H.	12 in;	Diam.	5 in;
H.	30.48 cm;	Diam.	12.7 cm;

Condition

Good. Very fine antique condition, with possible older restoration toward the base, encrustation and crystallized patina on the base and inside.

Creation Date

19th century

Description

Chinese Rosewood brush holder (pen pot) circa late Qing dynasty. Finely carved on surface with a sitting Buddha on lotus throne holding his hands in Vitarka mudra, which signifies the transmission of his teachings. Surrounding him around the center frame is a packed group of Bodhisattva and deities at the attendance to his sermon. The dense carving is done with superb craftsmanship and much attention was paid to the details. The wood is likely Hongmu a rosewood family that resembles Huanghuali but with a distinguished smell (also known in southern China as Hong Suanzhi, the sour wood), a dark hard wood, choice of the material for many highly carved scholar objects for the literati.

Styles / Movements

Asian, Chinese Export, Traditional

Incollect Reference Number

329769