Brush Pot, 1763 (dated by inscription)
Tung Wenexpand_more
Carved bambooexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 95.95.6
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Chinese made brushpots from a variety of materials including hardwoods, bamboo, and jade. Bamboo brushpots have a particularly long history and those with carved décor became popular with the literati during the sixteenth century. This finely detailed container shows scholars and attendants in a mountain retreat beneath overhanging rocks and another group of four scholars in a bamboo grove listening to lute music. Narrative scenes like this relate closely to printed designs in books from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The inscription, carved by Tongwen in kaishu, or regular script, on the large rock, reads:
The lotus estate in cool summer /
In the Kuei-wei year (1793) in the summer of the sixth month /
In the spirit of Chang Chiao's brush.
Chang Chiao, better known as Wang Meng (1308-85), was one of the most highly revered calligraphers and painters of the fourteenth century.
Details
- Title
- Brush Pot
- Artist Life
- active 18th century
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 95.95.6
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.