Brush Holder with a Scene of Sages in a Mountain Landscape
Artist/Culture
Chinese
Artist/Culture
Kangxi Period
Date18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumspinach–green nephrite
Dimensions15.9 x 12.7 cm (6 1/4 x 5 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineGift of John and Maria Dirlam
Terms
Object number1996.130
DescriptionSpinach-green nephrite. Brush Holder with a Scene of Sages in a Mountain Landscape.Label Text2006-03-04: Brush Holder Nephrite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), mid 18th century Gift of Maria and John Dirlam, 1996.130 Brush holders were used to store rolls of paper, scrolls, brushes and ruyi-scepters. This jade pot was conceived to resemble the cylindrical shape and detailed ornamentation of traditional bamboo and lacquer brush holders. Conceived of Siberian spinach-green jade, the surface is decorated with a forested mountain landscape scene. Three immortals stand near a pavilion; two of them lean on staffs and one holds a peach of immortality. A fourth sage and his young assistant are gathering lingzhi (fungus of immortality), the latter figure seated near a stream. Two cranes are depicted on the other side of the pot, one flying and the other resting near a pavilion. Naturalistic scenes such as this were popular in 18th-century paintings and ceramics. Notable compositions were reproduced in woodblock prints and stone engravings, which then often served as models for various artisans. Jade artisans often re-created the designs in differing planes of relief. Sometimes, as is the case here, they also pierced the walls of the vessel.ProvenanceMaria and John Dirlam
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 112
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th–early 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
