May 10, 2022
Jul 26, 2005
Jul 26, 2005
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022

Brush Rest

Brush Rest

1127–1279

Glazed stoneware, Guan ware

Diameter: 2.8 x 7.6 cm (1 1/8 x 3 in.); Overall: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1957.42

Location

Did you know?

There are twelve "hills" on this mountain-shaped brush rest.

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 rest, like this one in the characteristic gray-blue crackled glaze of Guan ware, would be an essential tool on a literati studio desk.

See also
Department: 
Chinese Art
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.