six vertical cylindrical sections on handle, from top to bottom: man with ox, dwarf riding backwards on an ox with a tall plant, man riding a horse, figure carrying a yoke and a parasol with a tropical plant, dwarf riding backwards on an ox with a large plant with three large leaves, man riding on a horse with two plants; very long, soft, black bristles; rich brown handle; black hanging cord

Calligraphy brush, late 19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

In Chinese literati culture, the brush, a writing implement, is known as one of the “four treasures of the study” along with the inkstick, inkstone, and paper. Brush handles are commonly constructed from bamboo, but some brushes have handles of sandalwood, jade, carved bone or ivory, and other precious materials as demonstrated by these examples. During late imperial times, artists catered to the tastes of gentlemen collectors and elaborated brushes with motifs derived from folklore, legends, superstitious beliefs as well as religious subjects from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism.

Details
Title
Calligraphy brush
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.14.7
Curator Approved

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six vertical cylindrical sections on handle, from top to bottom: man with ox, dwarf riding backwards on an ox with a tall plant, man riding a horse, figure carrying a yoke and a parasol with a tropical plant, dwarf riding backwards on an ox with a large plant with three large leaves, man riding on a horse with two plants; very long, soft, black bristles; rich brown handle; black hanging cord