Artwork Page for Brush with Carved Designs

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Brush with Carved Designs

毛筆

1573–1619

China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Wanli mark and reign

(1573-1619)
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Medium
carved bamboo
Measurements
Overall: 24.2 cm (9 1/2 in.); Handle: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.); Top: 16.8 cm (6 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift 1967.194.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The inscription on this brush with a bamboo cap reads: Made during the Wanli Era of the Great Ming [dynasty].

Description

In China, access to political power was granted to those who passed the civil service examinations, a system that offered official service only at a high level of education. Chinese literati-officials, whose daily routine involved administrative work in an office, enjoyed precious objects on their writing desks that offered distraction and demonstrated good taste. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, these utensils of the literati studio became also collectibles and were treasured as artworks.

A brush, like this one, was essential for both administrative tasks and for artistic creation. The bamboo brush handle and cap were carved in shallow relief with branches, leaves, birds, and flowers. The brush tip was made from fine white animal hairs.
An ornate calligraphy brush features a cylindrical dark-brown handle densely carved with deep-relief blossoms, winding vines, and leaves. A thin, vertically-ridged band separates the decorative shaft from the bristles. Below, the white bristles cluster at the base before tapering into a sharp, narrow point. The pale, smooth texture of the tip contrasts with the dark, intricate organic patterns covering the length of the handle.

Brush with Carved Designs

1573–1619

China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Wanli mark and reign (1573-1619)

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