Brush rest

Maker(s)
Artist: Seal of Chen Mingyuan (active late 17th-early 18th century)
Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, Kangxi reign, late 17th-early 18th century or later in the Qing dynasty
Medium
Stoneware with accompanying wooden stand
Style
Yixing ware
Dimensions
H x W: 6.3 x 14.3 cm (2 1/2 x 5 5/8 in)
Geography
China, Jiangsu province, Yixing
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1939.74a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic
Type

Brush rest

Keywords
China, Kangxi reign (1662 - 1722), Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), stoneware, writing, Yixing ware
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

When producing small, carefully crafted objects for the scholar's study, potters often have imitated natural forms in their work as a way to capture the scholar's character. The shape of this deep purple Yixing clay brush rest symbolizes the plum-blossom-like purity and resoluteness of its user. The potter skillfully used two differing colors of clay to represent the buds and the blossoms on the gnarled branch of the ancient plum tree.

Published References
  • Pang Yuanji. Hsu chai ming tao tu lu (Xuzhai ming tao tu lu) [Catalogue of Chinese Pottery in the Collection of Pang Yuan-chi]. 2 vols. Taipei. vol. 2: p. 37.
  • Helen Comstock. Some Examples of I-hsing Pottery. vol. 109, no.483 London, March 1942. p. 76.
  • Lai Suk Yee, Terese Tse Bartholomew. Themes and Variations: The Zisha Pottery of Chen Mingyuan. Exh. cat. Hong Kong, October 25, 1997 - January 4, 1998. p. 120.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use