red lacquer handle with spiraling dragon and clouds; stylized good-fortune characters around bulbous section where bristles are attached; doubled black thread on end for hanging loop; dark brown bristles

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
2015.14.9
Curator Approved

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red lacquer handle with spiraling dragon and clouds; stylized good-fortune characters around bulbous section where bristles are attached; doubled black thread on end for hanging loop; dark brown bristles