Artwork Page for Brush with Carved Designs (brush cap)

Details / Information for Brush with Carved Designs (brush cap)

Brush with Carved Designs (brush cap)

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.b
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.
A dark, warm-brown cylindrical bamboo tube is enveloped in dense, high-relief carvings. A bird perches among winding branches and pointed leaves, its head tilted downward. Fine parallel grooves define individual feathers and leaf veins. Plain, vertically grained bands border the top and bottom edges. The intricate design covers the entire midsection, with dark recessed areas creating contrast against the polished, raised floral and avian motifs.

Brush with Carved Designs (brush cap)

1573–1619

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

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